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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cass County
Elevation across Cass County averages about 1,278 feet. The county falls within the Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills (MLRA 106) land resource region.
The growing season in Cass County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.9 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 662 farms in Cass County, operating across 299,543 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 452 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Cass County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5508 144th St, Weeping Water, NE 68463
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 Cass County
The forage year in Cass County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 7,009 acres of pastureland and 4,733 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cass County
About 24% of Cass County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 20% of farms are small and 16% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 452 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cass County
Given the operation mix in Cass 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 Cass County Operations
Based on Cass County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface programs address nutrient management and pesticide use near residential areas. Wetland conservation efforts protect Missouri River floodplain ecosystems and reduce flood risks.
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 Cass County: Fremont County, Iowa, Mills County, Iowa, Lancaster County, Nebraska, Otoe County, Nebraska, Sarpy County, Nebraska, and Saunders County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cass 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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