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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Boone County
Boone County lies in the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) region. Elevation averages about 1,831 feet.
Boone County averages 27.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.0°F.
Boone County's agricultural base centers on corn and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 485 farms working 409,932 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 14,162 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Goats, 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 Boone County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2581 State Hwy 14, Albion, NE 68620
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 Boone County
Boone County reported 14,162 head of cattle across roughly 88,494 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July 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 Boone County.
Farm Structure in Boone County
Irrigation covers about 41% of farmland in Boone County, roughly 168,062 acres. Farms average 845 acres, with about 8% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Boone County
Boone County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Boone County Operations
Based on Boone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts balance crop production with grassland preservation in this transition zone. Integrated crop-livestock systems are promoted to optimize land use across diverse soil types.
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 Boone County
Boone County shares borders with Antelope County, Nebraska, Greeley County, Nebraska, Madison County, Nebraska, Nance County, Nebraska, Platte County, Nebraska, and Wheeler County, Nebraska. 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 Boone County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
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