Todd County, South Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

161
Farms & Ranches
873K
Acres in Agriculture
5,420
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$37.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Todd County, South Dakota has 161 farms working 872,654 agricultural acres (average 5,420 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $37.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Todd County

Todd County sits within the Dakota-Nebraska Eroded Tableland (MLRA 66) region. Elevation averages about 2,808 feet.

Temperatures in Todd County range from a January mean low of 13°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 22.2 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Todd County ran 161 farms, 872,654 acres of farmland, and 44,981 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Bison, Grain sorghum

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Todd County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

706 W Bennett Ave, Martin, SD 57551

(605) 685-1239

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

123 East 6th Street, White River, SD 57579

(605) 259-3252

This county also has 2 additional NRCS offices. 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 Todd County Operations

Based on Todd County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices to maintain grassland health and cultural landscapes. Beginning farmer and rancher programs support tribal members entering agriculture and continuing traditional land stewardship practices.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Cherry County, Nebraska, Keya Paha County, Nebraska, Bennett County, South Dakota, Jackson County, South Dakota, Mellette County, South Dakota, and Tripp County, South Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Todd County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. 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.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.27
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.63
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Todd County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.