Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marion County
Marion County is part of the Bluestem Hills land resource region (MLRA 76). The county's mean elevation is about 1,364 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Marion County sees 34.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.6°F mean annual temperature.
Marion County carries 25,980 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 237,806 acres. 873 farms operate in the county, averaging 688 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Hogs, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Marion County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
301 Eisenhower Dr, Marion, KS 66861
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.
Programs for Marion County Operations
Based on Marion County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland restoration programs re-establish native prairie on marginal cropland while providing wildlife habitat around Marion Lake. Young farmer mentorship programs connect beginning producers with established operations in wheat and cattle enterprises.
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 Marion County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Butler County, Kansas, Chase County, Kansas, Dickinson County, Kansas, Harvey County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, and Morris County, Kansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Marion 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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