Walworth County, South Dakota: USDA programs and conservation funding

258
Farms & Ranches
444K
Acres in Agriculture
1,721
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$16.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Walworth County, South Dakota has 258 farms working 444,144 agricultural acres (average 1,721 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $16.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← South Dakota Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Walworth County

Walworth County sits within the Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (MLRA 53B) region. Elevation averages about 1,979 feet.

Temperatures in Walworth County range from a January mean low of 5°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 19.6 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Walworth County ran 258 farms, 444,144 acres of farmland, and 12,430 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Walworth County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

4307 4th Ave, Selby, SD 57472

(605) 649-7020

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 Walworth County Operations

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

Conservation Reserve Program enrollment is extensive to protect wetland areas and provide wildlife habitat while managing around sensitive areas. Precision agriculture helps farmers optimize production while working around the numerous wetlands and variable soil types.

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 Campbell County, South Dakota, Corson County, South Dakota, Dewey County, South Dakota, Edmunds County, South Dakota, McPherson County, South Dakota, and Potter County, South Dakota. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Walworth 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

CRPCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.22
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Walworth 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.