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: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 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.
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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