Concert to help farmers hurt by storms

SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson says the organization will give $30,000 to groups that help family farmers in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Nelson, a native Texan, announced the grants Thursday. They include $7,500 each to the Lutheran Social Services of the South, the Southern Mutual Help Association, the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.

Somerville-based Farm Aid says more money will be distributed as the extent of the hurricane damage becomes clearer.

Farm Aid, the nation's longest-running benefit concert, has raised more than $30 million since its first show in 1985.

The concert will be held in New England for the first time on Sept. 20.