← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Imperial County
Imperial County is part of the Sonoran Basin and Range land resource region (MLRA 40). The county's mean elevation is about -43 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Imperial County sees 3.2 in of rain, a 74.3°F mean annual temperature.
Imperial County carries 70,960 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 10,417 acres. 482 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,528 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Desert |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn |
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 Imperial County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
200 E Murphy St Rm 102, Blythe, CA 92225
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2407 Marshall Avenue Suite E, Imperial, CA 92251
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.
Forage and Grazing in Imperial County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Imperial County greening up around November and peaking in March. The county carries about 10,417 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Imperial County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Imperial County at an average farm size of 1,528 acres, 10% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 623,755 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Imperial County
Imperial County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, milk, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Imperial County Operations
Based on Imperial County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water efficiency programs optimize irrigation practices in this desert environment dependent on Colorado River allocations. Soil salinity management and dust control measures address unique challenges of below-sea-level farming.
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 Imperial County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include La Paz County, Arizona, Yuma County, Arizona, Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Imperial County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.