USDA has designated 10 counties in California as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by the recent drought.

"Our hearts go out to those California farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation's economy by sustaining the successes of America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We're also telling California producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood."

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in California also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Those counties are:

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Those counties are:

Arizona

La Paz and Mohave

Nevada

Oregon

Klamath and Lake