← Colorado Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County lies in the Southern Rocky Mountains (MLRA 48A) region. Elevation averages about 7,559 feet.
Jefferson County averages 18.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.7°F.
Jefferson County's agricultural base centers on cattle, flowering plants, potted, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 531 farms working 43,436 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 828 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Front Range Colorado |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 19+ 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 Jefferson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
9595 Nelson Rd Ste D, Longmont, CO 80501
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 Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface conservation programs help manage wildfire risks and protect remaining agricultural lands from development pressure. Beginning farmer programs support new producers entering high-value specialty crop production and agritourism ventures.
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 Jefferson County
Jefferson County shares borders with Adams County, Colorado, Arapahoe County, Colorado, Boulder County, Colorado, Broomfield County, Colorado, Clear Creek County, Colorado, and Denver 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 Jefferson 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.