House bills would assist farmers and ranchers

TULSA, Okla. —

Oklahoma lawmakers say they've advanced two bills that would help the state's ranchers and farmers as they cope with the continuing drought.

The two bills passed a subcommittee on natural resources Monday and now advance to the full appropriations committee.

Lawmakers say the measures would provide funding for landowners in time of need. Funds would also go toward helping ranchers get water for livestock, helping control soil erosion and improving irrigation systems, among other provisions.

Money would also go toward improving the equipment of rural fire districts just in time for fire season to begin in in Oklahoma, the lawmakers say.

Oklahoma ranchers and farmers are still struggling as Oklahoma works through an extended dry spell.

Copyright The Associated Press