Loans can be used to cover the cost of replacement equipment or livestock, the reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of some debts. The declarations cover large sections of Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma, as well as counties in other states like Maine, New Hampshire and New York.

Based on NOAA’s outlook released this recently, a strong El Niño continues to affect the U.S. as warmer than average temperatures are forecast for South Dakota and the northern states this coming winter season.

Gary Haak,Thurston Mfg. sales representative for North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota, explains the benefits of strip-tilling at the Oct. 24, 2012, field day north of Ruthville, N.D.

Strip-tillers in South Dakota are gaining at least 20 bushels per acre or more in corn yields compared to other tillage systems.