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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hayes County
Hayes County is part of the Rolling Plains and Breaks land resource region (MLRA 73). The county's mean elevation is about 3,070 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Hayes County sees 20.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 51.0°F mean annual temperature.
Hayes County carries 19,054 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 235,931 acres. 254 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,594 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Horses |
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 Hayes County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
317 Tate Ave, Hayes Center, NE 69032
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 Hayes County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Hayes County greening up around May and peaking in June. The county carries about 235,931 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hayes County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Hayes County at an average farm size of 1,594 acres, 7% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 42,738 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Hayes County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Hayes 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 Hayes County Operations
Based on Hayes County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP enrollment is extensive for soil erosion control and wildlife habitat on marginal cropland. Livestock Forage Program provides important drought assistance during frequent dry periods.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Hayes County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Chase County, Nebraska, Dundy County, Nebraska, Frontier County, Nebraska, Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Lincoln County, Nebraska, and Perkins County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Hayes 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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