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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bent County
Bent County lies in the Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains (MLRA 69) region. Elevation averages about 4,076 feet.
Bent County averages 14.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 245 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.2°F.
Bent County's agricultural base centers on corn, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 208 farms working 759,098 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,973 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Plains |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 16+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Bent County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
760 Bent Ave, Las Animas, CO 81054
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 Bent County
Bent County reported 10,973 head of cattle across roughly 588,800 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Bent County.
Farm Structure in Bent County
Irrigation covers about 5% of farmland in Bent County, roughly 37,479 acres. Farms average 3,650 acres, with about 5% classed as small operations. Around 28% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Bent County
With equine and corn in the mix in Bent County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations), and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Bent County Operations
Based on Bent County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation along the Arkansas River and soil health in dryland areas are primary concerns. Programs support efficient irrigation systems and conservation tillage practices to maximize water use efficiency and prevent soil erosion.
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
Counties Bordering Bent County
Bent County shares borders with Baca County, Colorado, Kiowa County, Colorado, Las Animas County, Colorado, Otero County, Colorado, and Prowers County, Colorado. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Bent County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Colorado guide: Colorado Farm Programs Guide
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