Hall County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

552
Farms & Ranches
274K
Acres in Agriculture
496
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$121.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hall County, Nebraska has 552 farms working 273,923 agricultural acres (average 496 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $121.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Cattle. 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 Hall County

Hall County sits within the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 1,928 feet.

Temperatures in Hall County range from a January mean low of 14°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 27.2 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Hall County ran 552 farms, 273,923 acres of farmland, and 46,290 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, cattle, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Berries, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Hall County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

703 S Webb Road, Grand Island, NE 68803

(308) 395-8586

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 Hall County Operations

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

EQIP emphasizes irrigation water management and nutrient management systems for environmental protection. Beginning Farmer programs are active due to strong agricultural infrastructure and mentorship opportunities.

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 Adams County, Nebraska, Buffalo County, Nebraska, Hamilton County, Nebraska, Howard County, Nebraska, and Merrick County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Hall 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 Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.24
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.92
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Hall 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.