← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clark County
Clark County is part of the Prairie Coteau land resource region (MLRA 102D). The county's mean elevation is about 1,787 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clark County sees 24.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.4°F mean annual temperature.
Clark County carries 17,495 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 89,807 acres. 537 farms operate in the county, averaging 883 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Clark County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 Warren Road, Clark, SD 57225
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 Clark County Operations
Based on Clark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize wetland protection and soil health in the intensively farmed pothole landscape. CRP and EQIP work together to maintain wildlife habitat while supporting productive agriculture.
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 Clark County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Beadle County, South Dakota, Codington County, South Dakota, Day County, South Dakota, Hamlin County, South Dakota, Kingsbury County, South Dakota, and Spink County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clark 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.