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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Keith County
Keith County sits within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,403 feet.
Temperatures in Keith County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 19.6 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Keith County ran 336 farms, 440,532 acres of farmland, and 14,377 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 8+ 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 Keith County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1605 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153
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 Keith County Operations
Based on Keith County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports center pivot irrigation efficiency improvements and soil conservation on sandy soils. CRP enrollments focus on protecting fragile sandy areas and creating wildlife habitat around Lake McConaughy.
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 Arthur County, Nebraska, Deuel County, Nebraska, Garden County, Nebraska, Lincoln County, Nebraska, McPherson County, Nebraska, and Perkins County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Keith 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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