Webster County, Nebraska: USDA programs and conservation funding

350
Farms & Ranches
324K
Acres in Agriculture
927
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Webster County, Nebraska has 350 farms working 324,449 agricultural acres (average 927 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Webster County

Webster County sits within the Central Loess Plains (MLRA 75) region. Elevation averages about 1,909 feet.

Temperatures in Webster County range from a January mean low of 15°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 26.5 inches. Expect about 245 frost-free days.

Webster County ran 350 farms, 324,449 acres of farmland, and 77,425 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Nebraska
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Hogs, Wheat, Sheep, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Webster County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

20 N Webster St, Red Cloud, NE 68970

(402) 746-2204

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 Webster County Operations

Based on Webster County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs promote soil health practices and water conservation in this diverse farming area. Irrigation efficiency improvements and terracing projects help optimize production while protecting natural resources.

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 Jewell County, Kansas, Smith County, Kansas, Adams County, Nebraska, Clay County, Nebraska, Franklin County, Nebraska, and Kearney County, Nebraska. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Webster County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Nebraska guide: Nebraska Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.42
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.88
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Webster County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.