← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sully County
Sully County is part of the Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains land resource region (MLRA 53C). The county's mean elevation is about 1,865 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sully County sees 19.3 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 45.3°F mean annual temperature.
Sully County carries 10,336 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 126,518 acres. 203 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,848 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Sheep |
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 Sully County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
707 East Birch Ave, Onida, SD 57564
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 Sully County Operations
Based on Sully County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland conservation practices emphasize sustainable grazing management and native grass restoration on extensive ranch operations. Water development projects support livestock distribution and rangeland health across large grazing units.
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 Sully County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dewey County, South Dakota, Hughes County, South Dakota, Hyde County, South Dakota, Potter County, South Dakota, and Stanley County, South Dakota. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sully 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.