Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Woodson County
Elevation across Woodson County averages about 1,102 feet. The county falls within the Cherokee Prairies (MLRA 112) land resource region.
The growing season in Woodson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 40.0 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 240 farms in Woodson County, operating across 251,633 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,048 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Kansas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Poultry, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Woodson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
930 N 2nd St, Fredonia, KS 66736
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 Woodson County
The forage year in Woodson County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 102,645 acres of pastureland and 9,046 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Woodson County
About 29% of Woodson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 10% of farms are small and 21% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,048 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Woodson County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Woodson 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 Woodson County Operations
Based on Woodson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Native grassland preservation and proper grazing management are conservation priorities to maintain the ecological integrity of the Flint Hills. Fire management and invasive species control programs help ranchers maintain high-quality native pastures.
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 Woodson County: Allen County, Kansas, Anderson County, Kansas, Coffey County, Kansas, Greenwood County, Kansas, Neosho County, Kansas, and Wilson County, Kansas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Woodson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kansas guide: Kansas Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.