← Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pawnee County
Elevation across Pawnee County averages about 1,234 feet. The county falls within the Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills (MLRA 106) land resource region.
The growing season in Pawnee County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.8 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 374 farms in Pawnee County, operating across 201,868 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 540 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Hogs, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Pawnee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
601 F St, Pawnee City, NE 68420
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 Pawnee County
The forage year in Pawnee County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 39,126 acres of pastureland and 6,754 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pawnee County
About 24% of Pawnee County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 17% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 540 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pawnee County
Given the operation mix in Pawnee County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Pawnee County Operations
Based on Pawnee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes precision agriculture and nutrient management practices to optimize yields on high-value farmland. CSP supports cover crop adoption and soil health improvements in this intensive row 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Pawnee County: Marshall County, Kansas, Nemaha County, Kansas, Gage County, Nebraska, Johnson County, Nebraska, Nemaha County, Nebraska, and Richardson County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Pawnee County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.