Scott County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

263
Farms & Ranches
458K
Acres in Agriculture
1,742
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1269.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Wheat, Sorghum
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Scott County, Kansas has 263 farms working 458,248 agricultural acres (average 1,742 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1269.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, 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 Scott County

Elevation across Scott County averages about 2,977 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.

The growing season in Scott County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 19.3 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 93°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 263 farms in Scott County, operating across 458,248 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,742 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kansas
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Horses, Poultry

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 Scott County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1410 Main St, Scott City, KS 67871

(620) 872-3230

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 Scott County Operations

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

EQIP prioritizes irrigation water conservation and soil health practices in the semi-arid environment. CRP enrollment focuses on marginal cropland and establishment of wildlife habitat corridors.

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 Scott County: Finney County, Kansas, Gove County, Kansas, Kearny County, Kansas, Lane County, Kansas, Logan County, Kansas, and Wichita County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Scott 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.

Related program guides

EQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.15
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.27
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Scott 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.