← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Inyo County
Elevation across Inyo County averages about 5,034 feet. The county falls within the Southern Nevada Basin and Range (MLRA 29) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 6.0 inches per year. January lows average around 33°F while July highs reach about 97°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 63 farms in Inyo County, operating across 257,160 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 4,082 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Sierra |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Sheep |
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 Inyo County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
270 N See Vee Ln Ste 6, Bishop, CA 93514
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
513 West Bridge Street, Yerington, NV 89447
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.
Farm Structure in Inyo County
About 27% of Inyo County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms are small and 30% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 4,082 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Inyo County
Given the operation mix in Inyo 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 Inyo County Operations
Based on Inyo County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
High-altitude grazing management programs protect fragile mountain ecosystems and water resources. Drought and weather-related assistance programs address the challenges of farming in extreme elevation and climate conditions.
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 Inyo County: Fresno County, California, Kern County, California, Mono County, California, San Bernardino County, California, Tulare County, California, and Clark County, Nevada. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Inyo 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.