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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lyman County
Elevation across Lyman County averages about 1,696 feet. The county falls within the Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63A) land resource region.
The growing season in Lyman County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.3 inches per year. January lows average around 10°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 421 farms in Lyman County, operating across 1,043,956 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,480 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Grain sorghum, Bison, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Lyman County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
110 S Main Ave, Kennebec, SD 57544
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Lyman County
The forage year in Lyman County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 533,831 acres of pastureland and 32,468 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lyman County
About 17% of Lyman County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 3% of farms are small and 28% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 2,480 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lyman County
Lyman County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and wheat. 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 Lyman County Operations
Based on Lyman County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation and erosion control are emphasized on cropland near the Missouri River and on sloping terrain. Grassland management programs support both livestock production and wildlife habitat in this diverse landscape.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Lyman County: Brule County, South Dakota, Buffalo County, South Dakota, Charles Mix County, South Dakota, Gregory County, South Dakota, Hughes County, South Dakota, and Hyde County, South Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lyman 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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