Fremont County, Colorado: USDA programs and conservation funding

681
Farms & Ranches
232K
Acres in Agriculture
340
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$5.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Goats, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Fremont County, Colorado has 681 farms working 231,567 agricultural acres (average 340 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $5.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Jan, 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 Fremont County

Elevation across Fremont County averages about 6,782 feet. The county falls within the Southern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 48A) land resource region.

The growing season in Fremont County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 13.9 inches per year. January lows average around 14°F while July highs reach about 82°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 681 farms in Fremont County, operating across 231,567 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 340 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and goats.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Mountains
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Floriculture, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Fremont County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

248 Dozier Ave, Canon City, CO 81212

(719) 275-4465

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 Fremont County Operations

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

Water management along the Arkansas River and sustainable grazing on diverse terrain are key priorities. Programs support irrigation efficiency and help ranchers manage operations across elevation gradients from valleys to mountain slopes.

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 Fremont County: Chaffee County, Colorado, Custer County, Colorado, El Paso County, Colorado, Park County, Colorado, Pueblo County, Colorado, and Saguache County, Colorado. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Fremont 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 FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.39
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.51
Peak season (Jan)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Fremont 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.