Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Elk County
Elevation across Elk County averages about 995 feet. The county falls within the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) land resource region.
The growing season in Elk County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 39.8 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 255 farms in Elk County, operating across 246,966 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 968 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Goats, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Elk County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
131 N Wabash, Howard, KS 67349
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1819 E River St, Eureka, KS 67045
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.
Forage and Grazing in Elk County
The forage year in Elk County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 191,096 acres of pastureland and 28,872 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Elk County
About 32% of Elk County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 14% of farms are small and 25% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 968 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Elk County
Given the operation mix in Elk County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Elk County Operations
Based on Elk County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland management programs support prescribed burning schedules and native species restoration for improved cattle grazing. Water quality initiatives around Elk City Lake emphasize riparian protection and erosion control.
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 Elk County: Butler County, Kansas, Chautauqua County, Kansas, Cowley County, Kansas, Greenwood County, Kansas, Montgomery County, Kansas, and Wilson County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Elk 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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