Dundy County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

240
Farms & Ranches
528K
Acres in Agriculture
2,198
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$77.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Dundy County, Nebraska has 240 farms working 527,593 agricultural acres (average 2,198 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $77.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, 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 Dundy County

Dundy County sits within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,327 feet.

Temperatures in Dundy County range from a January mean low of 17°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 18.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Dundy County ran 240 farms, 527,593 acres of farmland, and 43,745 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Horses

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 Dundy County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

706 E 5th St, Imperial, NE 69033

(308) 882-4263

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

1303 A St, Benkelman, NE 69021

(308) 423-2402

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 Dundy County Operations

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

CRP enrollment is extensive for wind erosion control and wildlife habitat on marginal soils. Livestock Forage Program provides critical support during frequent drought periods.

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 Yuma County, Colorado, Cheyenne County, Kansas, Rawlins County, Kansas, Chase County, Nebraska, Hayes County, Nebraska, and Hitchcock County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Dundy 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

CSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.20
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.74
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Dundy 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.