Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ellsworth County
Ellsworth County lies in the Central Kansas Sandstone Hills (MLRA 74) region. Elevation averages about 1,589 feet.
Ellsworth County averages 29.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.2°F.
Ellsworth County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 327 farms working 306,934 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,712 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Horses, Goats |
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 Ellsworth County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
402 W 15th St, Ellsworth, KS 67439
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 Ellsworth County
Ellsworth County reported 13,712 head of cattle across roughly 165,696 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Ellsworth County.
Farm Structure in Ellsworth County
Farms average 939 acres, with about 7% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Ellsworth County
Ellsworth County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and wheat. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Ellsworth County Operations
Based on Ellsworth County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation and riparian buffer establishment along the Smoky Hill River are priority practices. Drought resilience programs help producers manage variable precipitation patterns.
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 Ellsworth County
Ellsworth County shares borders with Barton County, Kansas, Lincoln County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Rice County, Kansas, Russell County, Kansas, and Saline County, Kansas. 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 Ellsworth 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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