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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pierce County
Pierce County is part of the Loess Uplands land resource region (MLRA 102C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,684 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pierce County sees 27.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.3°F mean annual temperature.
Pierce County carries 14,178 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 30,420 acres. 529 farms operate in the county, averaging 476 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 8+ 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 Pierce County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
210 E Main St, Pierce, NE 68767
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 Pierce County Operations
Based on Pierce County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes precision agriculture adoption and nutrient management to optimize production on high-quality soils. Beginning Farmer programs support new operators entering both crop and livestock enterprises in this productive 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Pierce County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Antelope County, Nebraska, Cedar County, Nebraska, Knox County, Nebraska, Madison County, Nebraska, Stanton County, Nebraska, and Wayne County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pierce 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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