Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cochise County
Elevation across Cochise County averages about 4,453 feet. The county falls within the Madrean Archipelago (MLRA 41) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 14.0 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,002 farms in Cochise County, operating across 1,035,831 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,034 acres. Top commodities include corn, barley, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Vegetables, Barley, Hogs, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Cochise County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
640 E 10th Street, Douglas, AZ 85607
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
656 N Bisbee Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
This county also has 3 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 Cochise County
The forage year in Cochise County runs from green-up in July to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 840,947 acres of pastureland and 162,155 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cochise County
About 25% of Cochise County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,034 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cochise County
With corn and grain in the mix in Cochise County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground), and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Cochise County Operations
Based on Cochise County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides critical support for irrigation efficiency improvements and soil health practices in the Sulphur Springs Valley. CSP enrollment emphasizes integrated pest management and cover cropping systems for sustainable crop production.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Cochise County: Graham County, Arizona, Greenlee County, Arizona, Pima County, Arizona, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cochise 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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