← Colorado Farm Programs Guide

Gunnison County, Colorado

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Gunnison County contains the broad Gunnison Valley surrounded by towering peaks of the Elk and Sawatch mountain ranges. The county includes portions of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and features extensive high-altitude grasslands and sagebrush parks.

The Gunnison Valley is renowned for producing some of Colorado's highest quality hay, with large irrigated fields supporting both cattle ranching and hay export markets. Potato farming has historically been significant, though cattle and hay now dominate the agricultural landscape.

Quick Facts
RegionSouth Central Colorado
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Hogs, Poultry, Goats
Farms & Ranches~320 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~230,000 acres
Average Farm Size~685 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 "Gunnison 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 Gunnison County Operations

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

Water conservation and irrigation efficiency programs are priorities given the county's role in Colorado River basin management. High-altitude grazing management focuses on protecting sensitive alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems while maintaining productive ranching operations.

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 Gunnison County's specific LWG priorities yet.

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

Your Next Steps in Gunnison 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. Free for everyone.