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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McCook County
McCook County is part of the Southern Black Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 55C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,516 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McCook County sees 26.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 46.0°F mean annual temperature.
McCook County carries 14,224 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 39,041 acres. 589 farms operate in the county, averaging 508 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 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 McCook County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
340 N Nebraska St, Salem, SD 57058
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 McCook County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in McCook County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 39,041 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in McCook County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts McCook County at an average farm size of 508 acres, 20% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 346 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in McCook County
Given the operation mix in McCook County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for McCook County Operations
Based on McCook County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Livestock facility modernization and waste management systems are priorities given the high density of animal agriculture operations. Soil health initiatives promote sustainable practices on the intensively cropped land to maintain long-term productivity.
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 McCook County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Hanson County, South Dakota, Hutchinson County, South Dakota, Lake County, South Dakota, Miner County, South Dakota, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, and Turner County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McCook 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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