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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Harlan County
Elevation across Harlan County averages about 2,137 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) land resource region.
The growing season in Harlan County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 25.1 inches per year. January lows average around 16°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 287 farms in Harlan County, operating across 245,201 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 854 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Poultry |
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 Harlan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
707 Kennedy Street, Alma, NE 68920
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 Harlan County
The forage year in Harlan County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 67,278 acres of pastureland and 24,792 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Harlan County
About 26% of Harlan County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 21% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 854 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Harlan County
Given the operation mix in Harlan 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 Harlan County Operations
Based on Harlan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports irrigation efficiency in valley areas and erosion control practices on sloping fields. CRP contracts focus on marginal land around the reservoir and highly erodible slopes.
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 Harlan County: Norton County, Kansas, Phillips County, Kansas, Franklin County, Nebraska, Furnas County, Nebraska, Kearney County, Nebraska, and Phelps County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Harlan 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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