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Custer County, Colorado

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Custer County encompasses the Wet Mountain Valley and surrounding peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range, with elevations from 7,500 to over 14,000 feet including several fourteeners. The county features high mountain valleys surrounded by wilderness areas and national forest lands.

High altitude ranching in mountain valleys produces hay and supports cattle operations adapted to short growing seasons. The county's agriculture is characterized by small-scale operations taking advantage of mountain meadows and valley bottoms.

Quick Facts
RegionSouth Central Mountains
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Horses, Poultry, Goats, Sheep, Honey
Farms & Ranches~140 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~99,000 acres
Average Farm Size~362 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Custer County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Custer County Operations

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

High altitude grazing management and wildlife habitat conservation are key priorities in this mountain environment. Programs support sustainable ranching practices and help producers adapt to climate variability at elevation.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Custer County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Custer County?"

Your Next Steps in Custer 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

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