← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Aurora County
Aurora County is part of the Southern Black Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 55C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,565 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Aurora County sees 24.3 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.9°F mean annual temperature.
Aurora County carries 12,226 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 100,172 acres. 362 farms operate in the county, averaging 986 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Aurora County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
209 N Main, Plankinton, SD 57368
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 Aurora County Operations
Based on Aurora County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on soil health improvement and wetland protection in the prairie pothole region. EQIP assistance commonly supports no-till practices and nutrient management on cropland.
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 Aurora County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brule County, South Dakota, Charles Mix County, South Dakota, Davison County, South Dakota, Douglas County, South Dakota, Jerauld County, South Dakota, and Sanborn County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Aurora County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the South Dakota guide: South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.