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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kearney County
Kearney County lies in the Central Loess Plains (MLRA 75) region. Elevation averages about 2,145 feet.
Kearney County averages 25.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.8°F.
Kearney County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 327 farms working 308,416 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 22,853 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Poultry, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Kearney County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1005 South Brown, Minden, NE 68959
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 Kearney County Operations
Based on Kearney County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes precision irrigation technology and nitrogen management for groundwater protection. CSP participation includes comprehensive conservation systems with cover crops and integrated pest management.
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 Kearney County
Kearney County shares borders with Adams County, Nebraska, Buffalo County, Nebraska, Franklin County, Nebraska, Harlan County, Nebraska, Phelps County, Nebraska, and Webster 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 Kearney 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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