Hood River County is closing in on becoming eligible for a federal Livestock Feed Program for cattle producers. The County was listed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture seven weeks ago as a D-2, or severe drought, area. Wasco and Hood River County Farm Service Agency Executive Director Kevin MacIntyre says if the designation reaches an eighth week, Hood River County cattle owners will become eligible for the program, which covers animal death from extreme heat, or loss of feed from a native range or improved pasture. The designation is determined by an on-line nationwide drought monitor system. McIntyre says the FSA will publically announce when the eight-week point is reached. Wasco County has already passed the eight-week threshold, and FSA is taking cattle producer applications for the Livestock Feed Program.