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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McPherson County
Elevation across McPherson County averages about 1,974 feet. The county falls within the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 53B) land resource region.
The growing season in McPherson County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.0 inches per year. January lows average around 3°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 330 farms in McPherson County, operating across 652,253 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,977 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Poultry, Hogs, Wheat |
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 McPherson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
709 Moulton St, Leola, SD 57456
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 McPherson County
The forage year in McPherson County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 300,269 acres of pastureland and 37,434 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in McPherson County
About 26% of McPherson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 4% of farms are small and 27% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,977 acres.
What Tends to Fit in McPherson County
With cattle and corn in the mix in McPherson County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for McPherson County Operations
Based on McPherson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation and soil health practices are emphasized to maintain the balance between crop production and ranching. Wetland protection programs support waterfowl habitat while managing water resources for agricultural use.
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 McPherson County: Dickey County, North Dakota, McIntosh County, North Dakota, Brown County, South Dakota, Campbell County, South Dakota, Edmunds County, South Dakota, and Walworth County, South Dakota. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in McPherson 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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