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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McPherson County
McPherson County is part of the Nebraska Sand Hills land resource region (MLRA 65). The county's mean elevation is about 3,368 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McPherson County sees 21.7 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.6°F mean annual temperature.
McPherson County carries 27,077 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 521,647 acres. 121 farms operate in the county, averaging 4,535 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 McPherson 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 McPherson County Operations
Based on McPherson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP provides significant payments for native grassland conservation and prescribed grazing implementation. EQIP supports livestock water system development and range improvements to enhance grazing distribution.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in McPherson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Arthur County, Nebraska, Hooker County, Nebraska, Keith County, Nebraska, Lincoln County, Nebraska, Logan County, Nebraska, and Thomas County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McPherson 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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