Colusa County, California: USDA programs and conservation funding

715
Farms & Ranches
466K
Acres in Agriculture
652
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$15.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Rice, Cattle, Wheat, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Colusa County, California has 715 farms working 465,843 agricultural acres (average 652 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $15.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Rice, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Colusa County

Colusa County sits within the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys (MLRA 17) region. Elevation averages about 118 feet.

Temperatures in Colusa County range from a January mean low of 38°F to a July mean high near 95°F. Annual precipitation averages 24.8 inches.

Colusa County ran 715 farms, 465,843 acres of farmland, and 280 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: rice, cattle, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionSacramento Valley
Top CommoditiesFruit & tree nuts, Rice, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Sheep

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 Colusa County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

100 Sunrise Blvd Ste D, Colusa, CA 95932

(530) 458-5131

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 Colusa County Operations

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

Water conservation and rice field management programs promote efficient irrigation and wildlife habitat. Environmental stewardship focuses on maintaining waterfowl habitat in rice production systems.

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 Butte County, California, Glenn County, California, Lake County, California, Sutter County, California, and Yolo County, California. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Colusa County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

CSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.53
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.78
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Colusa 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.