Cheyenne County, Colorado: USDA programs and conservation funding

379
Farms & Ranches
963K
Acres in Agriculture
2,541
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$21.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Corn, Cattle, Sorghum
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Cheyenne County, Colorado has 379 farms working 963,154 agricultural acres (average 2,541 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $21.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, 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 Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County sits within the Central High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 67B) region. Elevation averages about 4,386 feet.

Temperatures in Cheyenne County range from a January mean low of 16°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 15.9 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.

Cheyenne County ran 379 farms, 963,154 acres of farmland, and 18,745 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: wheat, corn, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Plains
Top CommoditiesWheat, Corn, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Goats, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Cheyenne County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

215 N 1st W, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810

(719) 767-5648

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 Cheyenne County Operations

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

Wind erosion control and drought management are critical conservation priorities on these exposed plains. Programs emphasize no-till farming, crop rotation, and CRP enrollment to maintain soil health and wildlife habitat.

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 Kiowa County, Colorado, Kit Carson County, Colorado, Lincoln County, Colorado, Greeley County, Kansas, and Wallace County, Kansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Cheyenne County

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

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

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingEQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.16
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.44
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Cheyenne 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.