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: 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 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.
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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