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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: 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 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.
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
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