Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Harvey County
Harvey County lies in the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) region. Elevation averages about 1,430 feet.
Harvey County averages 33.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.4°F.
Harvey County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 690 farms working 343,919 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,739 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Hogs, Cotton |
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 Harvey County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1405 S Spencer Rd, Newton, KS 67114
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 Harvey County
Harvey County reported 12,739 head of cattle across roughly 42,701 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June 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 Harvey County.
Farm Structure in Harvey County
Irrigation covers about 10% of farmland in Harvey County, roughly 32,880 acres. Farms average 498 acres, with about 23% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Harvey County
Given the operation mix in Harvey 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 Harvey County Operations
Based on Harvey County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection along the Little Arkansas River emphasizes nutrient management and riparian buffers. Soil health programs promote cover crops and reduced tillage in row crop 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 Harvey County
Harvey County shares borders with Butler County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Marion County, Kansas, Reno County, Kansas, and Sedgwick 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 Harvey 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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