Saline County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

513
Farms & Ranches
314K
Acres in Agriculture
612
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$12.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Cattle, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Saline County, Kansas has 513 farms working 314,203 agricultural acres (average 612 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $12.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, 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 Saline County

Saline County sits within the Central Kansas Sandstone Hills (MLRA 74) region. Elevation averages about 1,253 feet.

Temperatures in Saline County range from a January mean low of 20°F to a July mean high near 93°F. Annual precipitation averages 31.0 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.

Saline County ran 513 farms, 314,203 acres of farmland, and 6,983 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: wheat, cattle, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Kansas
Top CommoditiesWheat, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Sheep, Goats

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 Saline County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1410 E Iron Ave Ste 12, Salina, KS 67401

(785) 825-8269

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 Saline County Operations

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

EQIP supports nutrient management and irrigation efficiency in intensive crop production areas. Beginning Farmer programs assist with access to irrigated farmland and livestock facility financing.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Dickinson County, Kansas, Ellsworth County, Kansas, Lincoln County, Kansas, McPherson County, Kansas, Marion County, Kansas, and Ottawa County, Kansas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Saline 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

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Vegetation Baseline

0.37
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.78
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Saline 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.