Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ford County
Ford County lies in the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 2,444 feet.
Ford County averages 23.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.5°F.
Ford County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 536 farms working 698,533 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 21,844 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 20+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Ford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
104 Soule Street, Dodge City, KS 67801
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 Ford County
Ford County reported 21,844 head of cattle across roughly 140,630 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a July 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 Ford County.
Farm Structure in Ford County
Irrigation covers about 7% of farmland in Ford County, roughly 51,752 acres. Farms average 1,303 acres, with about 5% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Ford County
Given the operation mix in Ford 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 Ford County Operations
Based on Ford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health initiatives and water conservation practices are prioritized in this irrigated agriculture region. Programs assist with adoption of cover crops and reduced tillage systems.
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 Ford County
Ford County shares borders with Clark County, Kansas, Edwards County, Kansas, Gray County, Kansas, Hodgeman County, Kansas, Kiowa County, Kansas, and Meade 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 Ford 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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