Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Rawlins County
Elevation across Rawlins County averages about 2,874 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.
The growing season in Rawlins County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 20.8 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 312 farms in Rawlins County, operating across 631,243 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,023 acres. Top commodities include wheat, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Corn, Grain sorghum, Soybeans |
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 Rawlins County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1001 Sherman St, Atwood, KS 67730
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 Rawlins County Operations
Based on Rawlins County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP enrollment is substantial due to highly erodible soils and marginal precipitation conditions. CSP promotes grazing management practices and crop rotation systems adapted to the semi-arid climate.
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 Rawlins County: Cheyenne County, Kansas, Decatur County, Kansas, Sherman County, Kansas, Thomas County, Kansas, Dundy County, Nebraska, and Hitchcock County, Nebraska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Rawlins 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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