Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gila County
Elevation across Gila County averages about 3,311 feet. The county falls within the Mogollon Transition South (MLRA 38) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 18.6 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 191 farms in Gila County, operating across 1,328,043 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 6,953 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey, Poultry |
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 Gila County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
520 N Camino Mercado, Suite 10, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
51 W Vista Drive Suite 3, Holbrook, AZ 86025
This county also has 5 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 Gila County Operations
Based on Gila County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding focuses on forest grazing improvements and erosion control in steep terrain. LFP provides essential support during frequent drought periods when forest grazing is restricted.
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 Gila County: Coconino County, Arizona, Graham County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, Navajo County, Arizona, Pinal County, Arizona, and Yavapai County, Arizona. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Gila 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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