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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lincoln County
Elevation across Lincoln County averages about 3,051 feet. The county falls within the Nebraska Sand Hills (MLRA 65) land resource region.
The growing season in Lincoln County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.9 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 995 farms in Lincoln County, operating across 1,638,602 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,647 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Horses, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Lincoln County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1202 S Cottonwood St, North Platte, NE 69101
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 Lincoln County
The forage year in Lincoln County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,152,899 acres of pastureland and 129,226 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lincoln County
About 20% of Lincoln County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 28% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,647 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lincoln County
Lincoln County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lincoln County Operations
Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes irrigation efficiency improvements and soil health practices on both sandy and loam soils. CSP supports rotational grazing systems and wetland management in the diverse landscape.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Lincoln County: Custer County, Nebraska, Dawson County, Nebraska, Frontier County, Nebraska, Hayes County, Nebraska, Keith County, Nebraska, and Logan County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lincoln 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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