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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Roberts County
Roberts County lies in the Rolling Till Prairie (MLRA 102A) region. Elevation averages about 1,244 feet.
Roberts County averages 24.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.0°F.
Roberts County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 757 farms working 551,709 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,360 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Honey, Bison |
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 Roberts County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2018 E Highway 10, Sisseton, SD 57262
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 Roberts County Operations
Based on Roberts County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management programs focus on drainage tile systems and irrigation efficiency for intensive crop production. Nutrient management practices are emphasized to protect water quality in this high-input farming region.
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 Roberts County
Roberts County shares borders with Big Stone County, Minnesota, Traverse County, Minnesota, Richland County, North Dakota, Sargent County, North Dakota, Day County, South Dakota, and Grant 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 Roberts 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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