Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Reno County
Reno County is part of the Great Bend Sand Plains land resource region (MLRA 79). The county's mean elevation is about 1,591 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Reno County sees 30.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 56.4°F mean annual temperature.
Reno County carries 23,808 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 140,488 acres. 1,543 farms operate in the county, averaging 505 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Reno County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
18 E 7th Ave, S Hutchinson, KS 67505
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 Reno County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Reno County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 140,488 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Reno County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Reno County at an average farm size of 505 acres, 14% small operations, 22% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 67,441 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Reno County
Given the operation mix in Reno 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 Reno County Operations
Based on Reno County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes irrigation water management and nutrient management planning for intensive crop systems. Beginning Farmer programs support entry into high-value irrigated agriculture and livestock feeding operations.
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 Reno County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Harvey County, Kansas, Kingman County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Pratt County, Kansas, Rice County, Kansas, and Sedgwick County, Kansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Reno 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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