Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Barton County
Elevation across Barton County averages about 1,806 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) land resource region.
The growing season in Barton County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 26.6 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 575 farms in Barton County, operating across 562,598 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 978 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Barton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
926 South Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530
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 Barton County
The forage year in Barton County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 136,279 acres of pastureland and 12,618 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Barton County
About 27% of Barton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 8% of farms are small and 22% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 978 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Barton County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Barton County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Barton County Operations
Based on Barton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation practices through EQIP promote efficient irrigation systems and soil moisture retention. CSP supports precision agriculture adoption and integrated pest management in high-production cropping systems.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Barton County: Ellsworth County, Kansas, Pawnee County, Kansas, Rice County, Kansas, Rush County, Kansas, Russell County, Kansas, and Stafford County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Barton County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide
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