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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dodge County
Dodge County sits within the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) region. Elevation averages about 1,267 feet.
Temperatures in Dodge County range from a January mean low of 13°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 30.3 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Dodge County ran 694 farms, 337,094 acres of farmland, and 29,122 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Poultry, Hogs, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Dodge County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2450 Business Park Drive, Fremont, NE 68025
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 Dodge County Operations
Based on Dodge County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes irrigation efficiency improvements and nutrient management systems. The Beginning Farmer program is active due to proximity to Omaha and transitioning family operations.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Burt County, Nebraska, Butler County, Nebraska, Colfax County, Nebraska, Cuming County, Nebraska, Douglas County, Nebraska, and Saunders County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Dodge 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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