Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Morton County
Morton County sits within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,429 feet.
Temperatures in Morton County range from a January mean low of 21°F to a July mean high near 94°F. Annual precipitation averages 17.4 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Morton County ran 376 farms, 449,871 acres of farmland, and 6,346 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, wheat, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Cotton, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Morton County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
607 E 11th St, Hugoton, KS 67951
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
745 Vilymaca, Elkhart, KS 67950
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 Morton County Operations
Based on Morton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation practices including moisture sensors and deficit irrigation strategies extend aquifer productivity on large farming operations. Integration with Cimarron National Grassland provides additional grazing opportunities and wildlife habitat corridors.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Baca County, Colorado, Stanton County, Kansas, Stevens County, Kansas, Cimarron County, Oklahoma, and Texas County, Oklahoma. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Morton 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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