More than $900 million in federal assistance is headed to Nebraska farmers, ranchers and landowners.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the payments will help producers manage operating expenses and prepare for the next growing season. More than $800 million comes from farm safety net programs, with another $85 million supporting conservation efforts. According to federal data, Nebraska has close to 44,000 farms and ranches, with the number dwindling for 11 consecutive years.

Hilary Maricle, state executive director of the Nebraska Farm Service Agency, said the funding is right on time.

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"It'll help producers cover these operating costs for this year and prepare for the 2027 growing season but it just comes at such a critical time of the year as producers in Nebraska are harvesting our 2026 crop, and it's really been a challenging year when we look at the weather," Maricle explained.

The federal programs help protect farmers when crop prices or revenues decline. Producers must enroll for the 2026 crop year by December 11. More information is available through USDA Farm Service Agency local offices. The USDA said the payments can help farmers and ranchers purchase supplies, equipment and other essentials from businesses in their communities.

Maricle pointed out how critical agriculture is to Nebraska's overall economy.

"One in four jobs is tied back to our ag sector," Maricle emphasized. "Farms and ranches in Nebraska, they also use most of our land's total base. About 90% of our 49 million acres are in agriculture."

She added the funding will provide a big boost to rural communities as farmers and ranchers spend money at local businesses. The USDA said Nebraska has added 1.9 million acres to its federal farm safety net programs, expanding coverage for future growing seasons.