Douglas County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

312
Farms & Ranches
52K
Acres in Agriculture
167
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$504K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Douglas County, Nebraska has 312 farms working 52,000 agricultural acres (average 167 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Douglas County

Douglas County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) region. Elevation averages about 1,193 feet.

Douglas County averages 32.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.9°F.

Douglas County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 312 farms working 52,000 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 420 head.


Quick Facts

RegionEastern Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Wheat

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 Douglas County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138

(402) 896-0121

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 Douglas County Operations

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

EQIP funding prioritizes urban-edge conservation practices and water quality protection. Beginning Farmer programs target urban professionals transitioning to agriculture and immigrant farmers.

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 Douglas County

Douglas County shares borders with Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Dodge County, Nebraska, Sarpy County, Nebraska, Saunders County, Nebraska, and Washington 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 Douglas 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 Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.43
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.58
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Douglas 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.