← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dewey County
Elevation across Dewey County averages about 2,271 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63A) land resource region.
The growing season in Dewey County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.7 inches per year. January lows average around 7°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 318 farms in Dewey County, operating across 1,202,557 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 3,782 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Horses, Vegetables, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Dewey County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
97 South Willow Street, Eagle Butte, SD 57625
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1015 Main Street, Timber Lake, SD 57656
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Dewey County Operations
Based on Dewey County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on rangeland improvement and drought mitigation in the semi-arid grassland environment. LFP provides crucial support during dry periods that frequently impact forage availability for livestock operations.
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 Dewey County: Corson County, South Dakota, Haakon County, South Dakota, Potter County, South Dakota, Stanley County, South Dakota, Sully County, South Dakota, and Walworth County, South Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dewey 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.