Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Caribou County
Caribou County sits within the Eastern Idaho Plateaus (MLRA 13) region. Elevation averages about 6,194 feet.
Temperatures in Caribou County range from a January mean low of 14°F to a July mean high near 81°F. Annual precipitation averages 22.8 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Caribou County ran 399 farms, 416,460 acres of farmland, and 12,249 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, barley, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeastern Idaho |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Barley, Wheat, Horses, 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 Caribou County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2769 Fairgrounds Rd, American Falls, ID 83211
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
390 E Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276
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 Caribou County Operations
Based on Caribou County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP practices address soil restoration on former phosphate mining areas transitioning back to agricultural production. High elevation results in frequent weather-related crop losses requiring substantial Disaster Assistance program participation.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Bannock County, Idaho, Bear Lake County, Idaho, Bingham County, Idaho, Bonneville County, Idaho, Franklin County, Idaho, and Lincoln County, Wyoming. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Caribou County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Idaho guide: Idaho Farm Programs Guide
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