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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Yuma County
Yuma County lies in the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,816 feet.
Yuma County averages 17.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.5°F.
Yuma County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 826 farms working 1,511,087 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 69,335 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeastern Plains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Hogs, Wheat, Vegetables, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Yuma County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
621 Iris Dr, Sterling, CO 80751
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
247 N Clay St # 1, Wray, CO 80758
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.
Forage and Grazing in Yuma County
Yuma County reported 69,335 head of cattle across roughly 836,091 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Yuma County.
Farm Structure in Yuma County
Irrigation covers about 12% of farmland in Yuma County, roughly 184,757 acres. Farms average 1,829 acres, with about 7% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Yuma County
Yuma County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Yuma County Operations
Based on Yuma County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency improvements and soil conservation practices are prioritized due to limited water resources and wind erosion potential. CRP and grassland conservation programs provide wildlife habitat and soil protection in this intensively cropped agricultural region.
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 Yuma County
Yuma County shares borders with Kit Carson County, Colorado, Logan County, Colorado, Phillips County, Colorado, Washington County, Colorado, Cheyenne County, Kansas, and Chase 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 Yuma 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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