Phillips County, Colorado: USDA programs and conservation funding

352
Farms & Ranches
440K
Acres in Agriculture
1,250
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Wheat, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Phillips County, Colorado has 352 farms working 440,076 agricultural acres (average 1,250 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

← Colorado Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Phillips County

Phillips County lies in the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,774 feet.

Phillips County averages 17.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.4°F.

Phillips County's agricultural base centers on corn and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 352 farms working 440,076 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,183 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Colorado
Top CommoditiesCorn, Wheat, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 9+ 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 Phillips County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1280 SW Interocean Dr, Holyoke, CO 80734

(970) 854-2812

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 Phillips County Operations

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

Conservation tillage practices are promoted to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil moisture in this dryland farming region. Grassland conservation programs protect native prairie while supporting sustainable grazing management across extensive ranch 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

Counties Bordering Phillips County

Phillips County shares borders with Logan County, Colorado, Sedgwick County, Colorado, Yuma County, Colorado, Chase County, Nebraska, and Perkins County, Nebraska. 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 Phillips 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. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.40
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.48
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Phillips County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.