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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scotts Bluff County
Scotts Bluff County is part of the Central High Plains, Northern Part land resource region (MLRA 67A). The county's mean elevation is about 3,979 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Scotts Bluff County sees 15.4 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 48.9°F mean annual temperature.
Scotts Bluff County carries 4,500 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 152,872 acres. 752 farms operate in the county, averaging 508 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Hogs, Horses, Wheat, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 14+ 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 Scotts Bluff County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
818 Ferdinand Plz, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
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 Scotts Bluff County Operations
Based on Scotts Bluff County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency improvements and soil health practices receive priority funding in this intensive production area. Programs support crop diversification and water conservation technologies essential for specialty crop production.
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 Scotts Bluff County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Banner County, Nebraska, Box Butte County, Nebraska, Morrill County, Nebraska, Sioux County, Nebraska, and Goshen County, Wyoming. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Scotts Bluff 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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