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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
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Sheep, Horses, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Greeley County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
220 S Elm St, Spalding, NE 68665
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1318 2nd St, St Paul, NE 68873
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 Greeley County
Greeley County reported 12,142 head of cattle across roughly 67,429 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Greeley County.
Farm Structure in Greeley County
Irrigation covers about 27% of farmland in Greeley County, roughly 42,123 acres. Farms average 706 acres, with about 8% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Greeley County
With sheep and corn in the mix in Greeley County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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
- 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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