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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dawson County
Elevation across Dawson County averages about 2,453 feet. The county falls within the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) land resource region.
The growing season in Dawson County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 23.4 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 671 farms in Dawson County, operating across 643,088 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 958 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Honey, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Dawson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
721 E Pacific St, Lexington, NE 68850
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 Dawson County Operations
Based on Dawson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management programs focus on irrigation efficiency and conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources. Integrated crop-livestock systems optimize the conversion of corn into high-value beef products.
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 Dawson County: Buffalo County, Nebraska, Custer County, Nebraska, Frontier County, Nebraska, Gosper County, Nebraska, Lincoln County, Nebraska, and Phelps County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dawson 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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