Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clark County
Clark County is part of the Central Rolling Red Plains, Eastern Part land resource region (MLRA 78C). The county's mean elevation is about 2,061 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clark County sees 23.0 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 57.1°F mean annual temperature.
Clark County carries 20,172 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 374,157 acres. 264 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,122 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Corn, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Clark County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
411 Main St, Ashland, KS 67831
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 Clark County Operations
Based on Clark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation programs emphasize efficient irrigation technology and soil moisture management practices. CRP targets playa wetlands preservation and native grass restoration for wildlife habitat enhancement.
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.
Clark County Conservation Priorities
Clark County combines irrigated cropland with shortgrass rangeland and cow-calf operations along the Cimarron River. It falls within the lesser prairie chicken range, which creates additional conservation funding opportunities:
- Lesser prairie chicken habitat: Clark County is in the lesser prairie chicken range. NRCS may offer dedicated EQIP funding pools for practices that benefit this species, including native grass restoration, CRP management, and grazing plans that maintain grassland structure.
- Ogallala Aquifer water conservation: Conversion to more efficient irrigation systems (LEPA/LESA) and irrigation water management may qualify for EQIP cost-share. Aquifer decline is a priority resource concern across southwest Kansas.
- Livestock water development: Wells, pipelines, and tanks to improve cattle distribution on rangeland and reduce grazing pressure on the Cimarron River corridor and playa wetlands.
- Native grass restoration: Converting marginal cropland or expired CRP back to native shortgrass or mixed-grass stands that support both grazing and wildlife.
- Wind erosion and soil health: Cover crops, no-till, and residue management on dryland and irrigated cropland acres.
Insurance note: Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can provide a price floor for cow-calf and feedlot operations. PRF insurance may help offset forage losses on rangeland and CRP grass during drought, common in this part of Kansas.
Confirm current priorities with your local NRCS office. Annual LWG meetings are open to all producers.
Nearby Counties
Operators in Clark County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Comanche County, Kansas, Ford County, Kansas, Kiowa County, Kansas, Meade County, Kansas, Beaver County, Oklahoma, and Harper County, Oklahoma. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clark County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.