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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Howard County
Howard County sits within the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 1,917 feet.
Temperatures in Howard County range from a January mean low of 14°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 27.1 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Howard County ran 526 farms, 230,525 acres of farmland, and 30,840 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Honey, Grain sorghum |
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 Howard County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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.
Programs for Howard County Operations
Based on Howard County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding targets irrigation efficiency improvements and livestock facility upgrades. CSP participation emphasizes riparian forest buffers and grassland 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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Buffalo County, Nebraska, Greeley County, Nebraska, Hall County, Nebraska, Merrick County, Nebraska, Nance County, Nebraska, and Sherman County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Howard 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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