Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Graham County
Graham County is part of the Madrean Archipelago land resource region (MLRA 41). The county's mean elevation is about 2,772 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Graham County sees 15.0 in of rain, a 61.7°F mean annual temperature.
Graham County carries 13,043 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,160,036 acres. 359 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,387 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Graham County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
27115 E Highway 70, #104, Peridot, AZ 85542
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
267 N. 8th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546
This county also has 2 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 Graham County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Graham County greening up around July and peaking in August. The county carries about 1,160,036 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 Graham County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Graham County at an average farm size of 3,387 acres, 55% small operations, 21% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 32,862 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 Graham County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Graham County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). 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 Graham County Operations
Based on Graham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides critical irrigation modernization support for Gila River water users facing ongoing water rights challenges. CSP promotes soil health and water conservation practices in this arid agricultural valley.
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 Graham County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Apache County, Arizona, Cochise County, Arizona, Gila County, Arizona, Greenlee County, Arizona, Navajo County, Arizona, and Pima County, Arizona. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Graham 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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