Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County sits within the North Cross Timbers (MLRA 84A) region. Elevation averages about 953 feet.
Temperatures in Chautauqua County range from a January mean low of 23°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 40.1 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Chautauqua County ran 335 farms, 311,512 acres of farmland, and 30,668 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Hogs, Grain sorghum, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Chautauqua County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
131 N Wabash, Howard, KS 67349
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
410 Peter Pan Rd Ste A, Independence, KS 67301
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 Chautauqua County Operations
Based on Chautauqua County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland improvement programs focus on brush management and native grass restoration in degraded pasture areas. Water development projects support livestock distribution and drought resilience planning.
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 Cowley County, Kansas, Elk County, Kansas, Montgomery County, Kansas, Osage County, Oklahoma, and Washington County, Oklahoma. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Chautauqua 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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