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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Box Butte County
Box Butte County sits within the Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands (MLRA 64) region. Elevation averages about 4,219 feet.
Temperatures in Box Butte County range from a January mean low of 14°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 17.5 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Box Butte County ran 437 farms, 685,555 acres of farmland, and 15,566 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, cattle, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Nebraska Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Hogs, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 16+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Box Butte County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
124 E 24th St, Alliance, NE 69301
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 Box Butte County Operations
Based on Box Butte County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Dryland conservation practices focus on moisture retention and wind erosion control in wheat-fallow systems. Flexible grazing management helps ranches adapt to highly variable precipitation patterns.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Dawes County, Nebraska, Morrill County, Nebraska, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, Sheridan County, Nebraska, and Sioux County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Box Butte 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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