Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is part of the Madrean Archipelago land resource region (MLRA 41). The county's mean elevation is about 4,072 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Santa Cruz County sees 17.6 in of rain, a 61.5°F mean annual temperature.
Santa Cruz County carries 3,184 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 105,990 acres. 166 farms operate in the county, averaging 718 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Santa Cruz County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
640 E 10th Street, Douglas, AZ 85607
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
656 N Bisbee Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
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.
Programs for Santa Cruz County Operations
Based on Santa Cruz County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
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. 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 Santa Cruz County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cochise County, Arizona and Pima County, Arizona. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Santa Cruz 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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