Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Rice County
Rice County is part of the Great Bend Sand Plains land resource region (MLRA 79). The county's mean elevation is about 1,694 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Rice County sees 29.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.6°F mean annual temperature.
Rice County carries 22,862 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 65,157 acres. 433 farms operate in the county, averaging 889 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Berries, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Rice County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1436 W. Main, Lyons, KS 67554
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 Rice County Operations
Based on Rice County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding targets irrigation efficiency and livestock waste management systems. CREP enrollment protects wetland areas and establishes filter strips around sensitive water resources.
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 Rice County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Barton County, Kansas, Ellsworth County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Reno County, Kansas, and Stafford County, Kansas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Rice 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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