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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jerauld County
Jerauld County sits within the Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 53C) region. Elevation averages about 1,837 feet.
Temperatures in Jerauld County range from a January mean low of 8°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 24.0 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Jerauld County ran 210 farms, 312,961 acres of farmland, and 12,123 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat, Hogs, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Jerauld County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
510 Dakota Ave N, Wessington Springs, SD 57382
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
205 W 7th St, Woonsocket, SD 57385
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 Jerauld County Operations
Based on Jerauld County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health practices and nutrient management are prioritized to maintain productivity on intensively cropped land. Wetland restoration through CRP provides wildlife habitat while managing excess water in agricultural areas.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Aurora County, South Dakota, Beadle County, South Dakota, Brule County, South Dakota, Buffalo County, South Dakota, Hand County, South Dakota, and Sanborn County, South Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Jerauld 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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