Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cloud County
Cloud County is part of the Central Kansas Sandstone Hills land resource region (MLRA 74). The county's mean elevation is about 1,602 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cloud County sees 29.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.1°F mean annual temperature.
Cloud County carries 9,529 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 90,660 acres. 419 farms operate in the county, averaging 784 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Hogs |
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 Cloud County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1501 E 7th St, Concordia, KS 66901
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 Cloud County Operations
Based on Cloud County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation programs emphasize no-till farming and cover crop adoption in wheat-based rotation systems. Grassland management supports native prairie restoration and prescribed burning for improved cattle grazing.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Cloud County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clay County, Kansas, Jewell County, Kansas, Mitchell County, Kansas, Ottawa County, Kansas, Republic County, Kansas, and Washington County, Kansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cloud 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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