Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Niobrara County
Niobrara County lies in the Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands (MLRA 64) region.
Niobrara County averages 15.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.3°F.
Niobrara County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 220 farms working 1,317,839 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 27,911 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East-Central Wyoming |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Bison, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 7+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Niobrara County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
905 S Main, Lusk, WY 82225
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 Niobrara County Operations
Based on Niobrara County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland management and water development programs support extensive cattle operations across large properties. Emergency assistance programs help ranchers during drought and severe weather events.
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 Niobrara County
Niobrara County shares borders with Sioux County, Nebraska, Custer County, South Dakota, Fall River County, South Dakota, Converse County, Wyoming, Goshen County, Wyoming, and Platte County, Wyoming. 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 Niobrara County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wyoming guide: Wyoming Farm Programs Guide
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