Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Decatur County
Decatur County lies in the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 2,675 feet.
Decatur County averages 21.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.4°F.
Decatur County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 336 farms working 514,685 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,899 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Horses |
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 Decatur County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
410 S Buffalo Ave, Oberlin, KS 67749
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 Decatur County Operations
Based on Decatur County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wind erosion control through CRP and EQIP emphasizes native grass establishment and conservation tillage practices. Drought management programs support emergency livestock feed and water development for ranch operations.
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
Counties Bordering Decatur County
Decatur County shares borders with Norton County, Kansas, Rawlins County, Kansas, Sheridan County, Kansas, Thomas County, Kansas, Furnas County, Nebraska, and Red Willow County, Nebraska. 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 Decatur 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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