Chase County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

304
Farms & Ranches
544K
Acres in Agriculture
1,790
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Grain, Wheat, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Chase County, Nebraska has 304 farms working 544,157 agricultural acres (average 1,790 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Chase County

Elevation across Chase County averages about 3,327 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.

The growing season in Chase County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.9 inches per year. January lows average around 16°F while July highs reach about 90°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 304 farms in Chase County, operating across 544,157 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,790 acres. Top commodities include corn, wheat, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwestern Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Vegetables, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 9+ 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 Chase County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

706 E 5th St, Imperial, NE 69033

(308) 882-4263

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 Chase County Operations

Based on Chase County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Water conservation technology and irrigation scheduling programs maximize efficiency of limited Republican River allocations. Dryland practices focus on moisture conservation in wheat-corn-fallow rotations.

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 Chase County: Phillips County, Colorado, Yuma County, Colorado, Dundy County, Nebraska, Hayes County, Nebraska, and Perkins County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Chase County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.25
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.52
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Chase County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.