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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Buffalo County
Buffalo County lies in the Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63B) region. Elevation averages about 1,725 feet.
Buffalo County averages 22.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.3°F.
Buffalo County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 49 farms working 300,533 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 31,342 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
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 Buffalo County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
200 Paul Gust Rd, Chamberlain, SD 57325
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 Buffalo County Operations
Based on Buffalo County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs often coordinate with tribal agricultural initiatives to support both lease farming and Native American agricultural development. EQIP funding addresses soil conservation and water management on highly erodible land.
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 Buffalo County
Buffalo County shares borders with Brule County, South Dakota, Hand County, South Dakota, Hyde County, South Dakota, Jerauld County, South Dakota, and Lyman County, South 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 Buffalo 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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