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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County lies in the Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills (MLRA 106) region. Elevation averages about 1,454 feet.
Jefferson County averages 30.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.5°F.
Jefferson County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 572 farms working 285,075 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 9,493 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Jefferson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
305 5th St, Fairbury, NE 68352
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 Jefferson County
Jefferson County reported 9,493 head of cattle across roughly 42,572 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Jefferson County.
Farm Structure in Jefferson County
Irrigation covers about 32% of farmland in Jefferson County, roughly 90,396 acres. Farms average 498 acres, with about 14% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Jefferson County
Jefferson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes nutrient management systems and erosion control practices for water quality protection. CSP contracts include pollinator habitat and soil health improvement 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
Counties Bordering Jefferson County
Jefferson County shares borders with Republic County, Kansas, Washington County, Kansas, Fillmore County, Nebraska, Gage County, Nebraska, Saline County, Nebraska, and Thayer County, Nebraska. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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