← Colorado Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Washington County lies in the Central High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 67B) region. Elevation averages about 4,686 feet.
Washington County averages 16.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.4°F.
Washington County's agricultural base centers on corn, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 709 farms working 1,381,696 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 33,117 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeastern Plains |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Sheep, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Washington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
26924 Us Highway 34, Akron, CO 80720
This county also has 4 additional NRCS offices. 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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health improvement and wind erosion control are emphasized through no-till practices and residue management programs. CRP enrollment targets highly erodible cropland and provides wildlife habitat in this intensively farmed agricultural landscape.
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 Washington County
Washington County shares borders with Adams County, Colorado, Arapahoe County, Colorado, Kit Carson County, Colorado, Lincoln County, Colorado, Logan County, Colorado, and Morgan 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 Washington 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.