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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Holt County
Holt County is part of the Nebraska Sand Hills land resource region (MLRA 65). The county's mean elevation is about 2,010 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Holt County sees 26.2 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.2°F mean annual temperature.
Holt County carries 87,067 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 835,007 acres. 1,198 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,288 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 7+ 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 Holt County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
107 E Highway 20, Oneill, NE 68763
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 Holt County Operations
Based on Holt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes prescribed grazing systems and livestock water development across extensive ranch operations. CSP participation focuses on grassland bird habitat and native prairie conservation practices.
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 Holt County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Antelope County, Nebraska, Boyd County, Nebraska, Garfield County, Nebraska, Keya Paha County, Nebraska, Knox County, Nebraska, and Loup County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Holt 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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