Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nye County
Nye County sits within the Southern Nevada Basin and Range (MLRA 29) region. Elevation averages about 9,240 feet.
Temperatures in Nye County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 7.8 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Nye County ran 173 farms, 49,634 acres of farmland, and 23,621 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: mushrooms, honey, and tomatoes.
Quick Facts
| Region | South-Central Nevada |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Honey, Vegetables, Sheep, Goats, Hogs |
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 Nye County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
744 E N Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301
This county also has 3 additional NRCS and 1 additional FSA offices. 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 Nye County Operations
Based on Nye County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland management programs address challenges of grazing across multiple ecosystems from high desert to Mojave environments. Drought preparedness initiatives help ranchers maintain operations across the county's vast and varied terrain.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Inyo County, California, Churchill County, Nevada, Clark County, Nevada, Esmeralda County, Nevada, Eureka County, Nevada, and Lander County, Nevada. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Nye 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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