Colfax County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

456
Farms & Ranches
213K
Acres in Agriculture
466
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$225.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Colfax County, Nebraska has 456 farms working 212,605 agricultural acres (average 466 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $225.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Nebraska Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Colfax County

Colfax County lies in the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) region. Elevation averages about 1,516 feet.

Colfax County averages 28.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.9°F.

Colfax County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 456 farms working 212,605 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 23,641 head.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Wheat, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Colfax County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

120 W 16th St, Suite B, Schuyler, NE 68661

(402) 352-5200

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 Colfax County Operations

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

Platte River habitat programs balance agricultural water use with endangered species protection requirements. Precision irrigation management systems optimize water use efficiency and reduce deep percolation losses.

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 Colfax County

Colfax County shares borders with Butler County, Nebraska, Cuming County, Nebraska, Dodge County, Nebraska, Platte County, Nebraska, and Stanton 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 Colfax 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 Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.23
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.90
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Colfax 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.