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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Brookings County
Brookings County sits within the Prairie Coteau (MLRA 102D) region. Elevation averages about 1,675 feet.
Temperatures in Brookings County range from a January mean low of 5°F to a July mean high near 82°F. Annual precipitation averages 26.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Brookings County ran 801 farms, 374,488 acres of farmland, and 45,227 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, milk, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Hogs, Honey |
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 Brookings County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
205 6th St, Brookings, SD 57006
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 Brookings County Operations
Based on Brookings County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize cutting-edge conservation practices with university research partnerships for soil health and water quality. Beginning Farmer programs are active due to proximity to agricultural education and research facilities.
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 Lincoln County, Minnesota, Pipestone County, Minnesota, Deuel County, South Dakota, Hamlin County, South Dakota, Kingsbury County, South Dakota, and Lake County, South Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Brookings 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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