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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Thurston County
Elevation across Thurston County averages about 1,365 feet. The county falls within the Loess Uplands (MLRA 102C) land resource region.
The growing season in Thurston County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 29.7 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 238 farms in Thurston County, operating across 155,821 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 655 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Barley, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Thurston County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
106 South Costello, Walthill, NE 68067
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.
Forage and Grazing in Thurston County
The forage year in Thurston County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,164 acres of pastureland and 14,400 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Thurston County
About 23% of Thurston County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 17% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 655 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Thurston County
Thurston County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Thurston County Operations
Based on Thurston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support tribal agricultural development and beginning farmer opportunities within the reservation areas. Conservation practices focus on soil erosion control and sustainable grazing management.
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 Thurston County: Monona County, Iowa, Woodbury County, Iowa, Burt County, Nebraska, Cuming County, Nebraska, Dakota County, Nebraska, and Dixon County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Thurston 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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