The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Franklin, Roanoke, Bedford, Botetourt and Floyd counties as disaster areas because of drought and excessive heat.

The designation makes farmers who have suffered crop loses in those areas eligible for federal assistance.

Franklin County was designated as a "primary disaster area," while the other four counties were designated as "contiguous disaster areas." All but Floyd County had previously been declared disaster areas by Gov. Tim Kaine in October.

Farmers in disaster areas who lose 30 percent of their income are eligible to be considered for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans from the U.S. Farm Service Agency for losses sustained. If they carry crop insurance or buy into the program, farmers may also be eligible for the government's supplemental revenue assistance program.

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., said he was pleased that the disaster-area designation had been applied.

"Farmers and livestock producers throughout Virginia have been hit hard by the recent drought, and I believe the severity of the current situation warrants federal assistance that these communities need -- and are entitled to," Webb said in announcing the designations.

-- Mason Adams