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
| Region | North Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & 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 2026-09-08
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 Lincoln County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
112 E Court St, Lincoln, KS 67455
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 Lincoln County
Lincoln County reported 21,864 head of cattle across roughly 138,639 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows March green-up and a April growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Lincoln County.
Farm Structure in Lincoln County
Lincoln County reports about 18 acres under irrigation. Farms average 1,051 acres, with about 7% classed as small operations. Around 38% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Lincoln County
Given the operation mix in Lincoln County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- 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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