Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wabaunsee County
Elevation across Wabaunsee County averages about 1,279 feet. The county falls within the Bluestem Hills (MLRA 76) land resource region.
The growing season in Wabaunsee County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 35.6 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 618 farms in Wabaunsee County, operating across 383,644 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 621 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Grain sorghum, Wheat, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Wabaunsee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
103 E 6th St, Alma, KS 66401
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 Wabaunsee County
The forage year in Wabaunsee County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 257,204 acres of pastureland and 14,549 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Wabaunsee County
About 27% of Wabaunsee County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 16% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 621 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Wabaunsee County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Wabaunsee 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 Wabaunsee County Operations
Based on Wabaunsee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP supports native tallgrass prairie management including prescribed burning and rotational grazing practices. EQIP funding assists with livestock water systems and grazing infrastructure in the Flint Hills.
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 Wabaunsee County: Geary County, Kansas, Lyon County, Kansas, Morris County, Kansas, Osage County, Kansas, Pottawatomie County, Kansas, and Riley County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Wabaunsee 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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