Nance County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

298
Farms & Ranches
134K
Acres in Agriculture
451
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$20.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Hogs, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Nance County, Nebraska has 298 farms working 134,404 agricultural acres (average 451 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $20.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Hogs. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Nebraska Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Nance County

Nance County lies in the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 1,678 feet.

Nance County averages 27.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.1°F.

Nance County's agricultural base centers on corn, hogs, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 298 farms working 134,404 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,779 head.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Nance County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

420 Broadway, Fullerton, NE 68638

(308) 536-2456

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 Nance County Operations

Based on Nance County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP promotes terracing and waterways on sloping cropland to prevent soil erosion. CSP supports grassland management and rotational grazing systems on the county's extensive pasture acres.

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

Counties Bordering Nance County

Nance County shares borders with Boone County, Nebraska, Greeley County, Nebraska, Howard County, Nebraska, Merrick County, Nebraska, and Platte County, Nebraska. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Nance County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.44
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Nance County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.