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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
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Goats |
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 Nance County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
420 Broadway, Fullerton, NE 68638
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 Nance County
Nance County reported 10,779 head of cattle across roughly 38,392 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Nance County.
Farm Structure in Nance County
Irrigation covers about 31% of farmland in Nance County, roughly 41,813 acres. Farms average 451 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 27% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Nance County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Nance County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
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
- 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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