Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ness County
Elevation across Ness County averages about 2,321 feet. The county falls within the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) land resource region.
The growing season in Ness County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 22.6 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 525 farms in Ness County, operating across 685,153 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,305 acres. Top commodities include wheat, cattle, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Corn, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Ness County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
18635 140 Road, Ness City, KS 67560
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 Ness County
The forage year in Ness County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 243,396 acres of pastureland and 8,478 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Ness County
About 31% of Ness County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 2% of farms are small and 26% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,305 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Ness County
Given the operation mix in Ness 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 Ness County Operations
Based on Ness County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation tillage practices reduce soil erosion and improve moisture retention in the challenging climate conditions. Flexible grazing systems allow cattle producers to utilize wheat pasture during optimal growing periods.
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 Ness County: Ellis County, Kansas, Finney County, Kansas, Gove County, Kansas, Hodgeman County, Kansas, Lane County, Kansas, and Pawnee County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Ness 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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