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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: Severe Drought (D2). 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 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.
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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