Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chase County
Chase County lies in the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) region. Elevation averages about 1,442 feet.
Chase County averages 36.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.4°F.
Chase County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 252 farms working 491,365 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 33,435 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Chase County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3020 W 18th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801
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 Chase County Operations
Based on Chase County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation programs emphasize prescribed burning schedules and invasive species control in native prairie. CSP supports traditional ranching practices that maintain the ecological integrity of tallgrass ecosystems.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
Chase County Conservation Priorities
Chase County is the heart of the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tracts of native tallgrass prairie in the world. Cow-calf and stocker operations graze this unplowed grassland, and prescribed burning is central to the ranching way of life here:
- Prescribed burning: Annual spring burns maintain tallgrass vigor and suppress woody encroachment (eastern redcedar, hedge, and sumac). EQIP can help fund firebreak construction, burn plans, and related infrastructure.
- Invasive woody plant control: Eastern redcedar is the top threat to Flint Hills grassland. Mechanical removal and follow-up burning may qualify for EQIP cost-share.
- Livestock water development: Wells, pipelines, and tanks that improve cattle distribution across native pastures and reduce reliance on ponds that can degrade during drought.
- Cross-fencing for rotational grazing: Dividing large pastures to support intensive early stocking or patch-burn grazing systems that benefit both production and wildlife.
- Riparian and stream protection: Fencing and off-stream water along the Cottonwood River and its tributaries to protect water quality while maintaining livestock access.
Insurance note: Flint Hills stocker operations can benefit from Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) to manage price risk during the grazing season. PRF insurance may help offset forage losses when rainfall falls short, particularly relevant for operations that depend on purchased grass leases.
Confirm current priorities with your local NRCS office. Annual LWG meetings are open to all producers.
Counties Bordering Chase County
Chase County shares borders with Butler County, Kansas, Greenwood County, Kansas, Lyon County, Kansas, Marion County, Kansas, and Morris County, Kansas. 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 Chase 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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