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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nelson County
Nelson County lies in the Central Black Glaciated Plains (MLRA 55B) region. Elevation averages about 1,499 feet.
Nelson County averages 20.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 39.0°F.
Nelson County's agricultural base centers on wheat, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 459 farms working 557,763 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,205 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Soybeans, Corn, Barley, Cattle & calves, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3).
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 Nelson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
208 4th Ave SW, Lakota, ND 58344
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 Nelson County
Nelson County reported 2,205 head of cattle across roughly 38,141 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Nelson County.
Farm Structure in Nelson County
Nelson County reports about 2,084 acres under irrigation. Farms average 1,215 acres, with about 4% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Nelson County
Given the operation mix in Nelson County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Nelson County Operations
Based on Nelson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Extensive wetland complexes require careful management of drainage and conservation compliance for crop production. CRP wetland and grassland enrollments provide wildlife habitat while supporting farm income diversification.
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
Counties Bordering Nelson County
Nelson County shares borders with Benson County, North Dakota, Eddy County, North Dakota, Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Griggs County, North Dakota, Ramsey County, North Dakota, and Steele County, North Dakota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Nelson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Dakota guide: North Dakota Farm Programs Guide
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