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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
Elevation across Madison County averages about 1,679 feet. The county falls within the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) land resource region.
The growing season in Madison County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 27.7 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 681 farms in Madison County, operating across 304,018 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 446 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Madison County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2601 Lakeridge Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701
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 Madison County
The forage year in Madison County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 21,700 acres of pastureland and 40,138 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Madison County
About 25% of Madison County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 446 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Madison County
Given the operation mix in Madison County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Madison County Operations
Based on Madison County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes nutrient management and cover crop adoption to protect water quality in this intensive crop production area. Beginning Farmer programs help new operators establish livestock and crop enterprises in this productive region.
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 Madison County: Antelope County, Nebraska, Boone County, Nebraska, Pierce County, Nebraska, Platte County, Nebraska, Stanton County, Nebraska, and Wayne County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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