Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stafford County
Stafford County lies in the Great Bend Sand Plains (MLRA 79) region. Elevation averages about 1,886 feet.
Stafford County averages 27.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.6°F.
Stafford County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 489 farms working 405,396 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 26,338 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Stafford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
804 E 1st Ave, St John, KS 67576
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 Stafford County
Stafford County reported 26,338 head of cattle across roughly 80,626 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July 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 Stafford County.
Farm Structure in Stafford County
Irrigation covers about 12% of farmland in Stafford County, roughly 48,003 acres. Farms average 829 acres, with about 9% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Stafford County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Stafford County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Stafford County Operations
Based on Stafford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CREP enrollment is significant around Quivira refuge with emphasis on wetland and grassland habitat protection. EQIP supports irrigation efficiency and wildlife-friendly farming practices.
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 Stafford County
Stafford County shares borders with Barton County, Kansas, Edwards County, Kansas, Pawnee County, Kansas, Pratt County, Kansas, Reno County, Kansas, and Rice 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 Stafford 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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