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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bennett County
Bennett County is part of the Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands land resource region (MLRA 64). The county's mean elevation is about 3,245 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Bennett County sees 21.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 47.4°F mean annual temperature.
Bennett County carries 47,898 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 443,238 acres. 214 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,030 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Horses, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Bennett County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
706 W Bennett Ave, Martin, SD 57551
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 Bennett County Operations
Based on Bennett County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on rangeland health and erosion control in fragile badlands areas. LFP provides crucial support during frequent drought conditions that affect grazing capacity.
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 Bennett County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cherry County, Nebraska, Jackson County, South Dakota, Mellette County, South Dakota, and Todd County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Bennett 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
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