Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lander County
Elevation across Lander County averages about 5,741 feet. The county falls within the Central Nevada Basin and Range (MLRA 28B) land resource region.
The growing season in Lander County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 10.2 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 87 farms in Lander County, operating across 374,113 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 4,300 acres. Top commodities include cattle and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Nevada |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, 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 Lander County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
111 Sheckler Rd, Fallon, NV 89406
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3275 Fountain Way, Winnemucca, NV 89445
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Lander County Operations
Based on Lander County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland restoration projects improve forage quality and prevent erosion in mountainous grazing areas. Water development programs provide livestock access to remote grazing areas while protecting riparian zones.
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 Lander County: Churchill County, Nevada, Elko County, Nevada, Eureka County, Nevada, Humboldt County, Nevada, Nye County, Nevada, and Pershing County, Nevada. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lander County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Nevada guide: Nevada Farm Programs Guide
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