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
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & 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 2026-09-08
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
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.
Forage and Grazing in Sheridan County
The forage year in Sheridan County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 140,014 acres of pastureland and 13,608 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Sheridan County
About 29% of Sheridan County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 4% of farms are small and 28% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,482 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Sheridan County
Given the operation mix in Sheridan County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- 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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