Osage County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

865
Farms & Ranches
337K
Acres in Agriculture
390
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$19.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Osage County, Kansas has 865 farms working 337,246 agricultural acres (average 390 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $19.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Osage County

Elevation across Osage County averages about 1,101 feet. The county falls within the Cherokee Prairies (MLRA 112) land resource region.

The growing season in Osage County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.4 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 90°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 865 farms in Osage County, operating across 337,246 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 390 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Kansas
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Horses, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Osage County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

115 W 17th St, Lyndon, KS 66451

(785) 828-4631

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 Osage County Operations

Based on Osage County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Native prairie conservation programs maintain the ecological integrity of one of the world's last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. Prescribed burning schedules optimize grass production for cattle while preserving plant diversity and wildlife habitat.

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 Osage County: Coffey County, Kansas, Douglas County, Kansas, Franklin County, Kansas, Lyon County, Kansas, Shawnee County, Kansas, and Wabaunsee County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Osage County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide

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Vegetation Baseline

0.41
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.81
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Osage County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.