FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency because of drought conditions, a move that lifts restrictions on truckers hauling relief supplies into Kentucky.

Beshear issued an executive order on Thursday, citing "severe to extreme" conditions in most of the state.

Also Thursday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved disaster assistance to Kentucky farm families in 91 counties. That makes them eligible to seek federal financial assistance and emergency loans.

Beshear's executive order waives size and weight restrictions on trucks hauling water, hay and other relief supplies for livestock. It also waives fees on oversized and overweight trucks.