Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kiowa County
Kiowa County lies in the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 2,245 feet.
Kiowa County averages 25.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.9°F.
Kiowa County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 352 farms working 367,358 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,416 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Cotton, Horses |
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 Kiowa County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
122 E Illinois Ave, Greensburg, KS 67054
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 Kiowa County
Kiowa County reported 8,416 head of cattle across roughly 188,234 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 Kiowa County.
Farm Structure in Kiowa County
Irrigation covers about 9% of farmland in Kiowa County, roughly 34,045 acres. Farms average 1,044 acres, with about 3% classed as small operations. Around 33% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Kiowa County
Given the operation mix in Kiowa 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 Kiowa County Operations
Based on Kiowa County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation programs maintain native prairie ecosystems while supporting livestock grazing operations. Erosion control practices address challenges on slopes and highly erodible soils.
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 Kiowa County
Kiowa County shares borders with Barber County, Kansas, Clark County, Kansas, Comanche County, Kansas, Edwards County, Kansas, Ford County, Kansas, and Pratt 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 Kiowa 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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