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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cedar County
Cedar County is part of the Loess Uplands land resource region (MLRA 102C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,370 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cedar County sees 28.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.0°F mean annual temperature.
Cedar County carries 26,551 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 56,234 acres. 850 farms operate in the county, averaging 531 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Dairy, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Cedar County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
102 East Elm, Hartington, NE 68739
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 Cedar County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Cedar County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 56,234 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cedar County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Cedar County at an average farm size of 531 acres, 13% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 157,994 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Cedar County
Cedar County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cedar County Operations
Based on Cedar County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Terracing and contour farming address erosion control on steep slopes in this rolling landscape. Cover crop adoption is increasing to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Cedar County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dixon County, Nebraska, Knox County, Nebraska, Pierce County, Nebraska, Wayne County, Nebraska, Clay County, South Dakota, and Yankton County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cedar 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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