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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
| Region | East Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Wheat, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Colfax County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
120 W 16th St, Suite B, Schuyler, NE 68661
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 Colfax County
Colfax County reported 23,641 head of cattle across roughly 13,112 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Colfax County.
Farm Structure in Colfax County
Irrigation covers about 30% of farmland in Colfax County, roughly 64,476 acres. Farms average 466 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Colfax County
Given the operation mix in Colfax 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 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
- 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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