When no-tiller Tim Norris of Gambier, Ohio, collects field and crop information across the 830 acres that he farms, he gathers 250,000 data points.

There has been more interest from livestock producers in applying manure to newly planted soybeans to provide moisture to help get the crop to emerge.

This increase in the presence of waterhemp is concerning, as it is a very prolific weed and can take over fields in just a couple of growing seasons.

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.