Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gove County
Elevation across Gove County averages about 2,753 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.
The growing season in Gove County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 20.9 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 383 farms in Gove County, operating across 658,365 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,719 acres. Top commodities include wheat, corn, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Corn, Grain sorghum, Dairy, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Gove County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1015 W 2nd St, Oakley, KS 67748
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
320 Broad St, Gove, KS 67736
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 Gove County
The forage year in Gove County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 256,135 acres of pastureland and 8,847 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Gove County
About 25% of Gove County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 4% of farms are small and 34% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,719 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Gove County
Given the operation mix in Gove County, the practices that most often come up are waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies, and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Gove County Operations
Based on Gove County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation and erosion control practices are essential for maintaining productivity on wind-exposed fields. Drought tolerance and risk management programs help stabilize farm income.
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 Gove County: Graham County, Kansas, Lane County, Kansas, Logan County, Kansas, Ness County, Kansas, Scott County, Kansas, and Sheridan County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Gove 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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