Navajo County, Arizona: USDA programs and conservation funding

3,269
Farms & Ranches
4.6M
Acres in Agriculture
1,419
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Sheep, Equine, Equine, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Navajo County, Arizona has 3,269 farms working 4,637,488 agricultural acres (average 1,419 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Sheep, Equine. 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 Navajo County

Navajo County sits within the Colorado Plateau (MLRA 35) region. Elevation averages about 5,902 feet.

Temperatures in Navajo County range from a January mean low of 20°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 10.8 inches. Expect about 245 frost-free days.

Navajo County ran 3,269 farms, 4,637,488 acres of farmland, and 7,966 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: sheep, equine, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Arizona
Top CommoditiesVegetables, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Navajo County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

Tseyi Shopping Center, Chinle, AZ 86503

(928) 674-3612

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

51 W Vista Drive Suite 3, Holbrook, AZ 86025

(928) 524-2652

This county also has 4 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 Navajo County Operations

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

EQIP provides support for high-elevation pasture improvements and water system development for livestock operations. CRP focuses on protecting fragile high desert soils and providing wildlife habitat in this ecologically diverse region.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Apache County, Arizona, Coconino County, Arizona, Gila County, Arizona, Graham County, Arizona, and San Juan County, Utah. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Navajo 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.16
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.21
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Navajo 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.