Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Owyhee County
Owyhee County is part of the Owyhee High Plateau land resource region (MLRA 25). The county's mean elevation is about 5,736 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Owyhee County sees 12.3 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 48.0°F mean annual temperature.
Owyhee County carries 5,015 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 573,547 acres. 461 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,582 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Idaho |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Wheat, Sheep, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 20+ 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 Owyhee County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
250 N Bruneau Hwy, Marsing, ID 83639
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2208 E Chicago St, Caldwell, ID 83605
This county also has 2 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.
Forage and Grazing in Owyhee County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Owyhee County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 573,547 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 Owyhee County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Owyhee County at an average farm size of 1,582 acres, 31% small operations, 21% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 108,395 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 Owyhee County
Owyhee County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, milk, 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 dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Owyhee County Operations
Based on Owyhee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland restoration and wildlife habitat improvement projects address sage grouse conservation requirements on working ranches. Remote livestock water developments and range infrastructure improvements receive priority EQIP funding.
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 Owyhee County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Ada County, Idaho, Canyon County, Idaho, Elmore County, Idaho, Twin Falls County, Idaho, Elko County, Nevada, and Humboldt County, Nevada. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Owyhee 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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