← Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Blaine County
Blaine County is part of the Nebraska Sand Hills land resource region (MLRA 65). The county's mean elevation is about 2,618 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Blaine County sees 24.7 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 49.0°F mean annual temperature.
Blaine County carries 16,065 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 305,794 acres. 85 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,904 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Nebraska Sandhills |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Poultry |
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 Blaine County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
39311 Highway 2, Thedford, NE 69166
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
518 W Highway 20, Valentine, NE 69201
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 Blaine County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Blaine County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 305,794 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Blaine County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Blaine County at an average farm size of 3,904 acres, 8% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 6,010 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Blaine County
Given the operation mix in Blaine 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 Blaine County Operations
Based on Blaine County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize native grassland preservation and sustainable grazing practices in fragile Sandhills ecosystem. Water development projects support livestock distribution and pasture management.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Blaine County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brown County, Nebraska, Cherry County, Nebraska, Custer County, Nebraska, Logan County, Nebraska, Loup County, Nebraska, and Thomas County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Blaine County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.