Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Grant County
Elevation across Grant County averages about 3,034 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.
The growing season in Grant County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.1 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 297 farms in Grant County, operating across 363,590 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,224 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Sheep |
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 Grant County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
524 S Main St, Ulysses, KS 67880
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 Grant County
The forage year in Grant County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 63,787 acres of pastureland and 241,105 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Grant County
About 22% of Grant County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 2% of farms are small and 22% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,224 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Grant County
Grant County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 Grant County Operations
Based on Grant County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation and precision agriculture technologies are emphasized to maximize irrigation efficiency. Soil health programs promote practices that improve water infiltration and retention.
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 Grant County: Finney County, Kansas, Hamilton County, Kansas, Haskell County, Kansas, Kearny County, Kansas, Stanton County, Kansas, and Stevens County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Grant 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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