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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Buffalo County
Buffalo County lies in the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 2,258 feet.
Buffalo County averages 25.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.2°F.
Buffalo County's agricultural base centers on corn, cattle, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,001 farms working 617,069 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 46,322 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Poultry, Grain sorghum, Vegetables |
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 Buffalo County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4009 6th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
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 Buffalo County
Buffalo County reported 46,322 head of cattle across roughly 215,857 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 Buffalo County.
Farm Structure in Buffalo County
Irrigation covers about 42% of farmland in Buffalo County, roughly 261,681 acres. Farms average 616 acres, with about 17% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Buffalo County
Given the operation mix in Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Operations
Based on Buffalo County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs address nutrient management in intensive corn-soybean systems. Precision agriculture adoption is high with emphasis on variable rate application and soil sampling.
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 Buffalo County
Buffalo County shares borders with Adams County, Nebraska, Custer County, Nebraska, Dawson County, Nebraska, Hall County, Nebraska, Howard County, Nebraska, and Kearney 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 Buffalo 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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