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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Fall River County
Fall River County is part of the Pierre Shale Plains land resource region (MLRA 60A). The county's mean elevation is about 3,671 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Fall River County sees 17.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 47.9°F mean annual temperature.
Fall River County carries 37,189 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 913,812 acres. 331 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,126 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Horses, Wheat, Sheep, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Fall River County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
339 S Chicago St, Hot Springs, SD 57747
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 Fall River County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Fall River County greening up around March and peaking in May. The county carries about 913,812 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Fall River County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Fall River County at an average farm size of 3,126 acres, 6% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 13,514 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Fall River County
Given the operation mix in Fall River County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Fall River County Operations
Based on Fall River County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on sustainable grazing management across diverse ecosystems from forest to prairie. EQIP supports cross-fencing and water system development for improved grazing distribution and resource protection.
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 Fall River County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dawes County, Nebraska, Sioux County, Nebraska, Custer County, South Dakota, and Niobrara County, Wyoming. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Fall River 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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