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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Garfield County
Garfield County is part of the Southern Rocky Mountains land resource region (MLRA 48A). The county's mean elevation is about 8,934 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Garfield County sees 22.4 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 44.0°F mean annual temperature.
Garfield County carries 1,395 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 246,828 acres. 601 farms operate in the county, averaging 670 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Slope |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Floriculture, Honey, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Garfield County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
258 Center Dr, Glenwood Spgs, CO 81601
This county also has 1 additional NRCS 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.
Programs for Garfield County Operations
Based on Garfield County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Diverse terrain requires varied conservation approaches from intensive valley irrigation to extensive mountain grazing management. Programs support sustainable practices across elevation zones and help ranchers manage grazing on public lands.
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 Garfield County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Eagle County, Colorado, Mesa County, Colorado, Pitkin County, Colorado, Rio Blanco County, Colorado, Routt County, Colorado, and Grand County, Utah. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Garfield 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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