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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gregory County
Gregory County lies in the Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63B) region. Elevation averages about 2,084 feet.
Gregory County averages 24.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 48.1°F.
Gregory County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 429 farms working 593,576 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 39,999 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Honey |
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 Gregory County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
102 W 9th Street, Burke, SD 57523
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 Gregory County
Gregory County reported 39,999 head of cattle across roughly 372,794 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Gregory County.
Farm Structure in Gregory County
Gregory County reports about 968 acres under irrigation. Farms average 1,384 acres, with about 7% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Gregory County
Gregory County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Gregory County Operations
Based on Gregory County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP enrollment is extensive for grassland conservation and erosion control on marginal cropland. EQIP supports range improvements and livestock water systems for the many large cattle 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
Counties Bordering Gregory County
Gregory County shares borders with Boyd County, Nebraska, Keya Paha County, Nebraska, Charles Mix County, South Dakota, Lyman County, South Dakota, and Tripp 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 Gregory 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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