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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Phelps County
Elevation across Phelps County averages about 2,343 feet. The county falls within the Central Loess Plains (MLRA 75) land resource region.
The growing season in Phelps County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 24.9 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 340 farms in Phelps County, operating across 282,710 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 832 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | South-Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Phelps County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1609 Burlington St, Holdrege, NE 68949
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 Phelps County Operations
Based on Phelps County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on irrigation water management and nitrogen application timing to maximize efficiency. CSP supports cover crop adoption and soil health practices in this high-intensity irrigated cropping system.
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 Phelps County: Buffalo County, Nebraska, Dawson County, Nebraska, Franklin County, Nebraska, Furnas County, Nebraska, Gosper County, Nebraska, and Harlan County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Phelps 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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