Prowers County, Colorado: USDA programs and conservation funding

408
Farms & Ranches
802K
Acres in Agriculture
1,966
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$333.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Prowers County, Colorado has 408 farms working 802,212 agricultural acres (average 1,966 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $333.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Prowers County

Prowers County lies in the Central High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 67B) region. Elevation averages about 3,682 feet.

Prowers County averages 16.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 245 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.2°F.

Prowers County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 408 farms working 802,212 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 11,672 head.


Quick Facts

RegionEastern Plains
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Goats, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Prowers County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1501 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052

(719) 336-3437

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 Prowers County Operations

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

Water conservation practices and efficient irrigation systems are prioritized through EQIP funding due to Arkansas River water rights concerns. CRP enrollment focuses on highly erodible dryland acres and riparian buffers along waterways.

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 Prowers County

Prowers County shares borders with Baca County, Colorado, Bent County, Colorado, Kiowa County, Colorado, Greeley County, Kansas, Hamilton County, Kansas, and Stanton County, Kansas. 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 Prowers 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.25
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.36
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Prowers 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.