Lincoln County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

273
Farms & Ranches
287K
Acres in Agriculture
1,051
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$35.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Sorghum, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lincoln County, Kansas has 273 farms working 286,803 agricultural acres (average 1,051 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $35.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Apr, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Lincoln County

Lincoln County lies in the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 1,376 feet.

Lincoln County averages 28.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.9°F.

Lincoln County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 273 farms working 286,803 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 21,864 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Kansas
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Corn, Honey

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

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 Lincoln County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

112 E Court St, Lincoln, KS 67455

(785) 524-4855

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.


Programs for Lincoln County Operations

Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Grassland conservation programs protect native prairie remnants and establish pollinator habitat along field borders. Drought-resistant crop varieties and flexible grazing systems help producers adapt to variable precipitation.

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

Counties Bordering Lincoln County

Lincoln County shares borders with Ellsworth County, Kansas, Mitchell County, Kansas, Osborne County, Kansas, Ottawa County, Kansas, Russell County, Kansas, and Saline County, Kansas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Lincoln County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.61
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.69
Peak season (Apr)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lincoln County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.