Sheridan County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

317
Farms & Ranches
470K
Acres in Agriculture
1,482
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$306.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Sheridan County, Kansas has 317 farms working 469,691 agricultural acres (average 1,482 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $306.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Sheridan County

Elevation across Sheridan County averages about 2,695 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.

The growing season in Sheridan County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.9 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 92°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 317 farms in Sheridan County, operating across 469,691 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,482 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Kansas
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Horses

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 Sheridan County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1100 Main St, Hoxie, KS 67740

(785) 675-3591

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 Sheridan County Operations

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

CRP enrollment is substantial on marginal cropland and highly erodible soils. CSP promotes rotational grazing and native grassland management practices adapted to the semi-arid climate.

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 Sheridan County: Decatur County, Kansas, Gove County, Kansas, Graham County, Kansas, Norton County, Kansas, and Thomas County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Sheridan 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.25
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.49
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Sheridan 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.