Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Elevation across Clay County averages about 1,231 feet. The county falls within the Central Kansas Sandstone Hills (MLRA 74) land resource region.
The growing season in Clay County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 31.9 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 449 farms in Clay County, operating across 338,106 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 753 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
921 W Crawford Suite A, Clay Center, KS 67432
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 Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Watershed protection programs address water quality in Milford Lake through terracing and buffer strip establishment. Precision agriculture adoption supported through CSP for variable rate application and GPS-guided equipment.
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 Clay County: Cloud County, Kansas, Dickinson County, Kansas, Geary County, Kansas, Ottawa County, Kansas, Riley County, Kansas, and Washington County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clay 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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