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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Garfield County
Garfield County sits within the Nebraska Sand Hills (MLRA 65) region. Elevation averages about 2,251 feet.
Temperatures in Garfield County range from a January mean low of 13°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 26.1 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Garfield County ran 166 farms, 356,737 acres of farmland, and 12,048 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Goats, Hogs, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Garfield County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
415 Grand Ave, Burwell, NE 68823
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1614 N 28th St, Ord, NE 68862
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 Garfield County Operations
Based on Garfield County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding supports range management improvements and livestock water system development. CSP emphasizes grassland conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement on working ranches.
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 Custer County, Nebraska, Holt County, Nebraska, Loup County, Nebraska, Valley County, Nebraska, and Wheeler County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Garfield 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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