Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McPherson County
Elevation across McPherson County averages about 1,487 feet. The county falls within the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) land resource region.
The growing season in McPherson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 32.2 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,048 farms in McPherson County, operating across 571,571 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 545 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Grain sorghum |
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 McPherson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
200 S Centennial Dr, Mcpherson, KS 67460
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 McPherson County
The forage year in McPherson County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 94,007 acres of pastureland and 39,301 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in McPherson County
About 23% of McPherson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 17% of farms are small and 19% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 545 acres.
What Tends to Fit in McPherson County
McPherson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and wheat. 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 McPherson County Operations
Based on McPherson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture adoption helps optimize fertilizer use and maximize yields in intensive cropping systems. Livestock waste management systems convert manure into valuable soil amendments for crop production.
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 McPherson County: Dickinson County, Kansas, Ellsworth County, Kansas, Harvey County, Kansas, Marion County, Kansas, Reno County, Kansas, and Rice County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in McPherson 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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