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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Furnas County
Elevation across Furnas County averages about 2,383 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) land resource region.
The growing season in Furnas County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 23.7 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 369 farms in Furnas County, operating across 425,046 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,152 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Goats |
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 Furnas County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
411 9th St.-, Beaver City, NE 68926
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 Furnas County
The forage year in Furnas County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 121,262 acres of pastureland and 10,492 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Furnas County
About 26% of Furnas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 27% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,152 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Furnas County
Given the operation mix in Furnas County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Furnas County Operations
Based on Furnas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes irrigation efficiency and soil health practices in valley production areas. CRP contracts target erosion-prone slopes and provide wildlife habitat around the reservoir area.
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 Furnas County: Decatur County, Kansas, Norton County, Kansas, Frontier County, Nebraska, Gosper County, Nebraska, Harlan County, Nebraska, and Phelps County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Furnas 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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