← Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
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: 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 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.
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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