Kentucky farmers whose crops wilted under a prolonged drought that expanded northward from the Deep South can expect some help from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday it will provide financial assistance to those farmers as well as loans for farms that suffered crop losses from high winds when the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through the state in September.

Gov. Steve Beshear said the drought, now in its second year, has brought financial hardships to Kentucky.

"This disaster aid will help lessen the impact on our farm families and rural communities," he said.

Loans will be available to farmers in all 120 Kentucky counties.

Southeastern Kentucky is under "extreme drought" conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Others portions of the state were under mild to moderate drought conditions.