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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Elevation across Clay County averages about 1,225 feet. The county falls within the Till Plains (MLRA 102B) land resource region.
The growing season in Clay County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 28.0 inches per year. January lows average around 10°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 438 farms in Clay County, operating across 191,404 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 437 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Sheep, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
121 W Kidder St, Vermillion, SD 57069
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.
Forage and Grazing in Clay County
The forage year in Clay County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,987 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clay County
About 19% of Clay County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% of farms are small and 16% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 437 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Clay County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground), and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on nutrient management and erosion control in the intensive cropping areas near the Missouri River. Strong participation in CSP reflects advanced conservation practices on highly productive farmland.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Clay County: Cedar County, Nebraska, Dixon County, Nebraska, Lincoln County, South Dakota, Turner County, South Dakota, Union County, South Dakota, and Yankton County, South Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clay 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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