Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wichita County
Elevation across Wichita County averages about 3,297 feet. The county falls within the Central High Tableland (MLRA 72) land resource region.
The growing season in Wichita County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 19.1 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 266 farms in Wichita County, operating across 459,188 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,726 acres. Top commodities include corn, wheat, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Goats, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Wichita County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
612 W Broadway, Leoti, KS 67861
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 Wichita County Operations
Based on Wichita County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drought mitigation and rangeland management are primary conservation focuses given the county's semi-arid conditions. Producers commonly enroll marginal cropland in CRP to establish native grass cover for wildlife habitat and erosion control.
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 Wichita County: Greeley County, Kansas, Hamilton County, Kansas, Kearny County, Kansas, Logan County, Kansas, Scott County, Kansas, and Wallace County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Wichita 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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