PICKENS, S.C. -- South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers says the state might get a federal disaster declaration because of the drought.

The Greenville News reported Weathers and Gov. Mark Sanford are to be in Pickens on Wednesday to examine conditions.

Gubernatorial spokesman Joel Sawyer says Sanford will talk about the importance of voluntary conservation.

Weathers says the cumulative effect of two years of drought has forced some cattle producers and horse owners to sell off part of their herds because of problems getting hay.

Weathers says his office will start a public-private partnership this month to help livestock owners get hay for their animals.

Fourteen counties in the Upstate and western part of the state have been declared in extreme drought.

------

Information from: The Greenville News