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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Burt County
Elevation across Burt County averages about 1,391 feet. The county falls within the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) land resource region.
The growing season in Burt County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 30.4 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 553 farms in Burt County, operating across 249,577 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 451 acres. Top commodities include corn, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Poultry, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Burt County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
539 S 13th St, Tekamah, NE 68061
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 Burt County Operations
Based on Burt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland restoration and buffer strip programs protect Missouri River water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Precision nutrient management is emphasized on highly productive but environmentally sensitive soils.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Burt County: Harrison County, Iowa, Monona County, Iowa, Cuming County, Nebraska, Dodge County, Nebraska, Thurston County, Nebraska, and Washington County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Burt 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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