Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dickinson County
Elevation across Dickinson County averages about 1,224 feet. The county falls within the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) land resource region.
The growing season in Dickinson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.9 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 810 farms in Dickinson County, operating across 455,551 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 562 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Grain sorghum, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Dickinson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
328 NE 14th St, Abilene, KS 67410
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Forage and Grazing in Dickinson County
The forage year in Dickinson County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 132,182 acres of pastureland and 12,492 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dickinson County
About 26% of Dickinson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 17% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 562 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dickinson County
Dickinson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Dickinson County Operations
Based on Dickinson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture programs through CSP promote GPS-guided equipment and variable rate fertilizer application. Riparian buffer establishment along waterways addresses soil erosion and water quality concerns.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Dickinson County: Clay County, Kansas, Geary County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Marion County, Kansas, Morris County, Kansas, and Ottawa County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dickinson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide
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