Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Yavapai County
Elevation across Yavapai County averages about 5,864 feet. The county falls within the Mogollon Transition South (MLRA 38) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 15.2 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 727 farms in Yavapai County, operating across 661,643 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 910 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Poultry, Sheep, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Yavapai County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
12409 W Indian School Rd Bldg B Ste201, Avondale, AZ 85392
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1585 S Plaza Way Ste 120, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
This county also has 3 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 Yavapai County
The forage year in Yavapai County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 604,832 acres of pastureland and 1,753 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Yavapai County
About 29% of Yavapai County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 55% of farms are small and 10% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 910 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Yavapai County
Given the operation mix in Yavapai County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Yavapai County Operations
Based on Yavapai County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides support for diverse elevation farming systems from desert ranching to mountain agriculture operations. Beginning Farmer programs assist with development of agritourism and specialty crop enterprises in the growing Verde Valley wine 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Yavapai County: Coconino County, Arizona, Gila County, Arizona, La Paz County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, and Mohave County, Arizona. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Yavapai 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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