Woodson County, Kansas: USDA programs and conservation funding

240
Farms & Ranches
252K
Acres in Agriculture
1,048
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$39.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Woodson County, Kansas has 240 farms working 251,633 agricultural acres (average 1,048 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $39.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

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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

RegionSoutheast Kansas
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Poultry, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Woodson County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

930 N 2nd St, Fredonia, KS 66736

(620) 378-2128

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 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

  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 Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Brush Management

Vegetation Baseline

0.52
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.78
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Woodson 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.