Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Norton County
Norton County is part of the Rolling Plains and Breaks land resource region (MLRA 73). The county's mean elevation is about 2,413 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Norton County sees 23.3 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 52.8°F mean annual temperature.
Norton County carries 14,565 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 190,886 acres. 314 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,436 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Norton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
11506 Pineview Dr, Norton, KS 67654
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 Norton County Operations
Based on Norton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation programs around Keith Sebelius Lake provide wildlife habitat while supporting grazing operations. Drought-resistant crop varieties help producers adapt to variable precipitation patterns typical of northwest Kansas.
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 Norton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Decatur County, Kansas, Graham County, Kansas, Phillips County, Kansas, Sheridan County, Kansas, Furnas County, Nebraska, and Harlan County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Norton 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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