← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
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: 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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.