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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Costilla County
Costilla County is part of the High Intermountain Valleys land resource region (MLRA 51). The county's mean elevation is about 8,060 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Costilla County sees 17.5 in of rain, a 184-day growing season, a 42.5°F mean annual temperature.
Costilla County carries 1,588 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). 159 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,294 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | San Luis Valley |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Barley, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). 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 Costilla County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
903 Main Street, San Luis, CO 81152
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
15 Spruce, La Jara, CO 81140
This county also has 1 additional FSA office. 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.
Farm Structure in Costilla County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Costilla County at an average farm size of 2,294 acres, 26% small operations, 30% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 18,456 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 Costilla County
Costilla County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, barley, and cattle. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Costilla County Operations
Based on Costilla County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
High altitude farming and grazing management are specialized challenges requiring adapted practices. Programs support water conservation, sustainable grazing on public lands, and crop diversification including specialty crops like quinoa.
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 Costilla County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Alamosa County, Colorado, Conejos County, Colorado, Huerfano County, Colorado, Las Animas County, Colorado, Colfax County, New Mexico, and Taos County, New Mexico. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Costilla 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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