Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pinal County
Elevation across Pinal County averages about 1,702 feet. The county falls within the Sonoran Basin and Range (MLRA 40) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 11.3 inches per year. January lows average around 39°F while July highs reach about 102°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 718 farms in Pinal County, operating across 1,476,279 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,056 acres. Top commodities include cattle, milk, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 21+ 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 Pinal County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
12409 W Indian School Rd Bldg B Ste201, Avondale, AZ 85392
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
520 N Camino Mercado, Suite 10, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
This county also has 6 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 Pinal County
The forage year in Pinal County runs from green-up in February to peak growth in February (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,152,743 acres of pastureland and 272,235 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pinal County
About 26% of Pinal County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 39% of farms are small and 20% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 2,056 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pinal County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Pinal County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Pinal County Operations
Based on Pinal County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides extensive support for irrigation efficiency improvements and precision agriculture technologies in this major agricultural production area. CSP enrollment emphasizes nutrient management and soil health practices for sustainable intensive agriculture.
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 Pinal County: Gila County, Arizona, Graham County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, and Pima County, Arizona. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Pinal County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arizona guide: Arizona Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.