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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hanson County
Hanson County is part of the Southern Black Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 55C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,344 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Hanson County sees 25.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.6°F mean annual temperature.
Hanson County carries 4,658 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 27,446 acres. 311 farms operate in the county, averaging 740 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Hanson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1820 N Kimball St, Mitchell, SD 57301
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 Hanson County Operations
Based on Hanson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and soil health practices are prioritized through EQIP to maintain productivity on the intensively cropped land. Beginning farmer programs support new agricultural enterprises in this productive farming area.
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 Hanson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Davison County, South Dakota, Hutchinson County, South Dakota, McCook County, South Dakota, Miner County, South Dakota, and Sanborn County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Hanson 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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