Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Geary County
Geary County is part of the Bluestem Hills land resource region (MLRA 76). The county's mean elevation is about 1,281 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Geary County sees 34.0 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.8°F mean annual temperature.
Geary County carries 3,669 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 82,163 acres. 217 farms operate in the county, averaging 811 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Geary County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3705 Miller Parkway, Manhattan, KS 66503
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 Geary County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Geary County greening up around May and peaking in June. The county carries about 82,163 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Geary County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Geary County at an average farm size of 811 acres, 15% small operations, 18% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 4,487 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Geary County
Geary County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and hogs. 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 confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Geary County Operations
Based on Geary County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Native prairie restoration and management practices maintain the ecological integrity of Flint Hills grasslands. Prescribed burning and rotational grazing are emphasized conservation practices.
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 Geary County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clay County, Kansas, Dickinson County, Kansas, Morris County, Kansas, Riley County, Kansas, and Wabaunsee County, Kansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Geary 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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