← Colorado Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gunnison County
Gunnison County lies in the Southern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 48A) region. Elevation averages about 10,336 feet.
Gunnison County averages 22.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 153 days. Annual mean temperature is 38.8°F.
Gunnison County's agricultural base centers on cattle, sheep, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 333 farms working 227,945 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,284 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Colorado |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Hogs, Poultry, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 16+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Gunnison County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
690 Industrial Blvd, Delta, CO 81416
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
102 Par Pl, Montrose, CO 81401
This county also has 2 additional NRCS offices. 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 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. 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
Counties Bordering Gunnison County
Gunnison County shares borders with Chaffee County, Colorado, Delta County, Colorado, Hinsdale County, Colorado, Mesa County, Colorado, Montrose County, Colorado, and Ouray County, Colorado. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Gunnison County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Colorado guide: Colorado Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.