Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sherman County
Sherman County lies in the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) region. Elevation averages about 3,694 feet.
Sherman County averages 18.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.0°F.
Sherman County's agricultural base centers on corn, cattle, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 373 farms working 674,867 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,620 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Soybeans, 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 Sherman County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
210 W 10th St, Goodland, KS 67735
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 Sherman County
Sherman County reported 13,620 head of cattle across roughly 109,601 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Sherman County.
Farm Structure in Sherman County
Irrigation covers about 12% of farmland in Sherman County, roughly 83,591 acres. Farms average 1,809 acres, with about 4% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Sherman County
Given the operation mix in Sherman 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 Sherman County Operations
Based on Sherman County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP prioritizes water conservation technologies and precision agriculture in the water-limited environment. CRP focuses on marginal dryland areas and wildlife habitat establishment in the short-grass prairie.
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 Sherman County
Sherman County shares borders with Kit Carson County, Colorado, Cheyenne County, Kansas, Logan County, Kansas, Rawlins County, Kansas, Thomas County, Kansas, and Wallace 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 Sherman 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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