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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lincoln County
Lincoln County is part of the Till Plains land resource region (MLRA 102B). The county's mean elevation is about 1,327 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lincoln County sees 28.6 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.7°F mean annual temperature.
Lincoln County carries 9,577 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 14,081 acres. 752 farms operate in the county, averaging 328 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Honey, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 Lincoln County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 E 5th St, Canton, SD 57013
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 Lincoln County Operations
Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Modern livestock facility construction and nutrient management systems are priorities given the high concentration of animal agriculture. Soil health practices and drainage management maintain productivity on the intensively farmed land.
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 Lincoln County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Lyon County, Iowa, Sioux County, Iowa, Clay County, South Dakota, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Turner County, South Dakota, and Union County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lincoln 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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