← Colorado Farm Programs Guide

Ouray County, Colorado

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Ouray County encompasses dramatic San Juan Mountains terrain including towering peaks, narrow valleys, and the scenic Million Dollar Highway corridor. The county features the town of Ouray nestled in a spectacular mountain valley surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks with waterfalls and alpine scenery.

Limited agricultural activity occurs in small mountain valleys where hay production and limited cattle grazing take advantage of natural meadows and protected growing areas. The extreme terrain, high elevation, and short growing season severely constrain farming to minimal operations focused on hay cutting and small-scale livestock.

Quick Facts
RegionSouthwest Colorado
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables
Farms & Ranches~25 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~86,000 acres
Average Farm Size~745 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 "Ouray 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 Ouray County Operations

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

High-altitude conservation programs focus on protecting sensitive riparian areas and alpine ecosystems from grazing impacts. Limited agricultural operations receive support for maintaining traditional land uses while protecting the scenic and environmental values of this dramatic mountain landscape.

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 Ouray County's specific LWG priorities yet.

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

Your Next Steps in Ouray 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

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