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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Red Willow County
Red Willow County sits within the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 2,549 feet.
Temperatures in Red Willow County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 21.8 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Red Willow County ran 291 farms, 429,119 acres of farmland, and 20,333 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, 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 Red Willow County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1400 W 5th St, Mccook, NE 69001
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 Red Willow County Operations
Based on Red Willow County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports irrigation system improvements and dryland farming practices to optimize water use efficiency. CRP targets marginal cropland for grass establishment and provides habitat around Harlan County Reservoir.
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 Decatur County, Kansas, Rawlins County, Kansas, Frontier County, Nebraska, Furnas County, Nebraska, and Hitchcock County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Red Willow 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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