Greenlee County, Arizona: USDA programs and conservation funding

95
Farms & Ranches
23K
Acres in Agriculture
245
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Corn, Grain, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Greenlee County, Arizona has 95 farms working 23,269 agricultural acres (average 245 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Greenlee County

Greenlee County lies in the Mogollon Transition South (MLRA 38) region. Elevation averages about 5,555 feet.

Greenlee County averages 16.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 303 days. Annual mean temperature is 57.0°F.

Greenlee County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and sheep. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 95 farms working 23,269 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,167 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Arizona
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Sheep, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

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 Greenlee County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

267 N. 8th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546

(928) 428-0635

This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 Greenlee County Operations

Based on Greenlee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP supports riparian restoration and range improvements in this mountainous county with limited agricultural land. Disaster assistance programs are vital for producers facing wildfire and drought impacts on federal grazing allotments.

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

Counties Bordering Greenlee County

Greenlee County shares borders with Apache County, Arizona, Cochise County, Arizona, Graham County, Arizona, Catron County, New Mexico, Grant County, New Mexico, and Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Greenlee County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Arizona guide: Arizona Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.27
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.38
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Greenlee County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.