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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Summit County
Summit County is part of the Southern Rocky Mountains land resource region (MLRA 48A). The county's mean elevation is about 12,059 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Summit County sees 25.8 in of rain, a 153-day growing season, a 36.0°F mean annual temperature.
Summit County carries 196 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 9,191 acres. 59 farms operate in the county, averaging 293 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 16+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Summit County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
106 S 2nd St, Kremmling, CO 80459
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1475 Pine Grove Rd Ste 201a, Steamboat Spgs, CO 80487
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.
Forage and Grazing in Summit County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Summit County greening up around June and peaking in September. The county carries about 9,191 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Summit County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Summit County at an average farm size of 293 acres, 36% small operations, 32% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 5,688 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Summit County
Summit County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle and floriculture, other. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Summit County Operations
Based on Summit County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Limited conservation programs focus on protecting fragile high-altitude ecosystems and maintaining open space character. Efforts emphasize preserving remaining ranch lands and managing recreational impacts on sensitive mountain environments.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Summit County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clear Creek County, Colorado, Eagle County, Colorado, Grand County, Colorado, Lake County, Colorado, and Park County, Colorado. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Summit County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Colorado guide: Colorado Farm Programs Guide
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