Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Apache County
Apache County is part of the Colorado Plateau land resource region (MLRA 35). The county's mean elevation is about 6,144 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Apache County sees 11.8 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 51.1°F mean annual temperature.
Apache County carries 17,389 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,926,716 acres. 5,343 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,036 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Apache County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
Tseyi Shopping Center, Chinle, AZ 86503
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
140 W Cleveland, St Johns, AZ 85936
This county also has 4 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.
Forage and Grazing in Apache County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Apache County greening up around May and peaking in August. The county carries about 4,926,716 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Apache County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Apache County at an average farm size of 1,036 acres, 77% small operations, 26% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 7,729 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Apache County
Given the operation mix in Apache County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Apache County Operations
Based on Apache County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding prioritizes range improvement and water development for livestock operations in this high desert environment. CRP enrollment focuses on erosion control and wildlife habitat enhancement on marginal croplands.
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 Apache County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Graham County, Arizona, Greenlee County, Arizona, Navajo County, Arizona, Montezuma County, Colorado, Catron County, New Mexico, and Cibola County, New Mexico. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Apache County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arizona guide: Arizona Farm Programs Guide
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