Nemaha County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

397
Farms & Ranches
243K
Acres in Agriculture
612
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Nemaha County, Nebraska has 397 farms working 242,887 agricultural acres (average 612 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Nemaha County

Nemaha County sits within the Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills (MLRA 106) region. Elevation averages about 1,015 feet.

Temperatures in Nemaha County range from a January mean low of 15°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 33.5 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Nemaha County ran 397 farms, 242,887 acres of farmland, and 2,654 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Nemaha County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

918 26th St, Auburn, NE 68305

(402) 274-4987

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 Nemaha County Operations

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

CREP focuses on establishing riparian buffers along streams to protect water quality and provide wildlife habitat. EQIP promotes nutrient management and cover crop adoption in this intensive crop production area.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Atchison County, Missouri, Holt County, Missouri, Johnson County, Nebraska, Otoe County, Nebraska, Pawnee County, Nebraska, and Richardson County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Nemaha 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.43
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.76
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Nemaha 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.