Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Washington County is part of the Central Kansas Sandstone Hills land resource region (MLRA 74). The county's mean elevation is about 1,429 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Washington County sees 31.1 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.3°F mean annual temperature.
Washington County carries 30,789 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 148,497 acres. 642 farms operate in the county, averaging 690 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy, Wheat |
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 Washington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 B St, Washington, KS 66968
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 Washington County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Washington County greening up around April and peaking in August. The county carries about 148,497 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Washington County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Washington County at an average farm size of 690 acres, 8% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 13,688 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Washington County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Washington 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 waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). 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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus heavily on soil health practices and water conservation given the county's reliance on irrigation. Many producers participate in cover crop initiatives to improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Washington County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Clay County, Kansas, Cloud County, Kansas, Marshall County, Kansas, Republic County, Kansas, Riley County, Kansas, and Gage County, Nebraska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Washington 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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