Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Russell County
Russell County lies in the Rolling Plains and Breaks (MLRA 73) region. Elevation averages about 1,780 feet.
Russell County averages 26.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.9°F.
Russell County's agricultural base centers on wheat, cattle, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 510 farms working 432,200 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 11,977 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs |
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 Russell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
555 S Fossil St, Russell, KS 67665
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 Russell County Operations
Based on Russell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP supports diverse crop rotations and grazing management on working lands. EQIP funding emphasizes soil conservation practices and livestock water system improvements.
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
Counties Bordering Russell County
Russell County shares borders with Barton County, Kansas, Ellis County, Kansas, Ellsworth County, Kansas, Lincoln County, Kansas, Osborne County, Kansas, and Rush County, Kansas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Russell 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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