Hawaii island farmers and ranchers suffering from a persistent drought may now apply for federal loans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Hawaii County as a primary natural disaster area Jan. 18, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Thursday.

The governor applied for the designation last month.

"Even today, Big Island residents continue to experience drought conditions ranging from severe to extreme," Abercrombie said. "The USDA’s assistance will help hard-working families recover losses and see it through until conditions improve."

Qualified farm operators in the designated area have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency to cover their losses.

The agency considers each application on its own merits. For more information, go to disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

The National Weather Service said pastures and vegetation in the South Kohala district are in very poor condition, and brush fires have been a significant concern.

The South Kohala district and the Pokakula region of Hamakua are classified as under extreme drought, while the Kau and North Kona districts remain in severe drought.

Ranchers in these areas have already reduced cattle herds, and hauling water for several months, the weather service said.

Even if La Niña brings wetter conditions this winter as expected, that might not be enough to end the drought, the agency warned.