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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dixon County
Dixon County lies in the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) region. Elevation averages about 1,408 feet.
Dixon County averages 29.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.0°F.
Dixon County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 515 farms working 275,098 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,526 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Sheep, Vegetables |
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 Dixon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
105 East 4th St., Ponca, NE 68770
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 Dixon County
Dixon County reported 12,526 head of cattle across roughly 59,798 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 Dixon County.
Farm Structure in Dixon County
Irrigation covers about 11% of farmland in Dixon County, roughly 29,723 acres. Farms average 534 acres, with about 18% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Dixon County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Dixon County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Dixon County Operations
Based on Dixon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding focuses on terracing and waterways to prevent soil erosion on sloped fields. CRP enrollment is popular for marginal hillside acres and riparian buffers along the Missouri River.
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 Dixon County
Dixon County shares borders with Cedar County, Nebraska, Dakota County, Nebraska, Thurston County, Nebraska, Wayne County, Nebraska, Clay County, South Dakota, and Union County, South Dakota. 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 Dixon 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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