Humboldt County, Nevada: USDA programs and conservation funding

266
Farms & Ranches
946K
Acres in Agriculture
3,556
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$39.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain, Corn, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Humboldt County, Nevada has 266 farms working 945,924 agricultural acres (average 3,556 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $39.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain. 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 Humboldt County

Humboldt County is part of the Humboldt Basin and Range Area land resource region (MLRA 24). The county's mean elevation is about 4,121 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Humboldt County sees 11.4 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 49.4°F mean annual temperature.

Humboldt County carries 58,801 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 804,327 acres. 266 farms operate in the county, averaging 3,556 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthern Nevada
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Goats, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

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 Humboldt County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

3275 Fountain Way, Winnemucca, NV 89445

(775) 623-5025

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 Humboldt County Operations

Based on Humboldt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Water conservation practices along the Humboldt River improve irrigation efficiency while protecting water quality. Rangeland management programs balance livestock production with wildlife habitat conservation across diverse ecosystems.

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 Humboldt County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Owyhee County, Idaho, Elko County, Nevada, Lander County, Nevada, Pershing County, Nevada, Washoe County, Nevada, and Harney County, Oregon. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Humboldt County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Nevada guide: Nevada Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.15
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.20
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Humboldt 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.