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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sherman County
Sherman County sits within the Central Nebraska Loess Hills (MLRA 71) region. Elevation averages about 2,162 feet.
Temperatures in Sherman County range from a January mean low of 14°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 26.1 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Sherman County ran 326 farms, 222,304 acres of farmland, and 14,805 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Hogs |
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 Sherman County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1614 N 28th St, Ord, NE 68862
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
4009 6th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
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 Sherman County Operations
Based on Sherman County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil erosion control and grassland management in this transitional landscape. Livestock watering facilities and range improvements help optimize grazing efficiency.
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 Buffalo County, Nebraska, Custer County, Nebraska, Greeley County, Nebraska, Howard County, Nebraska, and Valley County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Sherman 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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