Greeley County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

220
Farms & Ranches
155K
Acres in Agriculture
706
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Greeley County, Nebraska has 220 farms working 155,366 agricultural acres (average 706 acres per farm). 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 Greeley County

Greeley County lies in the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 2,069 feet.

Greeley County averages 26.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.0°F.

Greeley County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and sheep. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 220 farms working 155,366 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,142 head.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Sheep, Horses, Honey

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 Greeley County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

220 S Elm St, Spalding, NE 68665

(308) 497-2471

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

1318 2nd St, St Paul, NE 68873

(308) 754-4424

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 Greeley County Operations

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

EQIP funding targets both irrigation improvements in crop areas and range management on grazing land. CRP enrollment focuses on marginal sandy acres and riparian buffers along waterways.

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 Greeley County

Greeley County shares borders with Boone County, Nebraska, Howard County, Nebraska, Nance County, Nebraska, Sherman County, Nebraska, Valley County, Nebraska, and Wheeler 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 Greeley 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.31
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.73
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Greeley 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.