Stevens County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

410
Farms & Ranches
461K
Acres in Agriculture
1,124
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Wheat, Sorghum, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Stevens County, Kansas has 410 farms working 460,825 agricultural acres (average 1,124 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Kansas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Stevens County

Stevens County lies in the Southern High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 77A) region. Elevation averages about 3,113 feet.

Stevens County averages 18.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.0°F.

Stevens County's agricultural base centers on corn, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 410 farms working 460,825 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,994 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Kansas
Top CommoditiesCorn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Cotton, Soybeans, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Stevens County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

607 E 11th St, Hugoton, KS 67951

(620) 544-2261

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 Stevens County Operations

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

EQIP supports advanced irrigation technologies and precision agriculture adoption for water conservation. FSA Loans facilitate expansion of irrigated acres and cattle feeding facility development.

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 Stevens County

Stevens County shares borders with Grant County, Kansas, Haskell County, Kansas, Morton County, Kansas, Seward County, Kansas, Stanton County, Kansas, and Texas County, Oklahoma. 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 Stevens 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 Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.55
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Stevens 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.