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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Perkins County
Perkins County lies in the Rolling Soft Shale Plain (MLRA 54) region. Elevation averages about 2,677 feet.
Perkins County averages 17.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 44.2°F.
Perkins County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 404 farms working 1,831,580 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 69,155 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Bison, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Perkins County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
604 Coleman Ave, Bison, SD 57620
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 Perkins County Operations
Based on Perkins County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation Reserve Program enrollment is significant for wildlife habitat and soil protection on marginal cropland. Grazing management practices focus on maintaining native prairie ecosystems while supporting livestock operations.
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
Counties Bordering Perkins County
Perkins County shares borders with Adams County, North Dakota, Butte County, South Dakota, Corson County, South Dakota, Harding County, South Dakota, Meade County, South Dakota, and Ziebach County, South Dakota. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Perkins 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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