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Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Border county featuring basin and range topography with the Santa Rita Mountains and Patagonia Mountains. The Santa Cruz River creates riparian corridors through desert valleys.

Cattle ranching operations utilize desert grasslands and mountain grazing areas near the Mexican border. Limited irrigated agriculture produces vegetables, hay, and specialty crops in valley bottoms.

Quick Facts

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Santa Cruz County Operations

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

• EQIP
• FSA Loans
• Disaster Assistance
• Beginning Farmer

EQIP supports grassland restoration and water development for livestock operations in this border region. Beginning Farmer programs assist with development of sustainable specialty crop operations taking advantage of the area's favorable climate.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

Your Next Steps in Santa Cruz 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

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