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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Valley County
Valley County is part of the Central Nebraska Loess Hills land resource region (MLRA 71). The county's mean elevation is about 2,115 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Valley County sees 26.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 49.0°F mean annual temperature.
Valley County carries 27,215 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 140,926 acres. 264 farms operate in the county, averaging 994 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nebraska |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Honey, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Valley County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1614 N 28th St, Ord, NE 68862
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 Valley County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Valley County greening up around May and peaking in August. The county carries about 140,926 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Valley County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Valley County at an average farm size of 994 acres, 12% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 65,214 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Valley County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Valley County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Valley County Operations
Based on Valley County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency and grassland management receive program priority in this diverse landscape. Conservation practices support both intensive crop production and sustainable rangeland 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Valley County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Custer County, Nebraska, Garfield County, Nebraska, Greeley County, Nebraska, Sherman County, Nebraska, and Wheeler County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Valley 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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