Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washoe County
Washoe County is part of the Malheur High Plateau land resource region (MLRA 23). The county's mean elevation is about 6,006 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Washoe County sees 12.5 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 49.4°F mean annual temperature.
Washoe County carries 11,485 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 275,317 acres. 314 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,519 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Nevada |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Sheep, Honey, Goats |
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 Washoe County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
221 W 8th Street, Alturas, CA 96101
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
111 Sheckler Rd, Fallon, NV 89406
This county also has 3 additional NRCS 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 Washoe County Operations
Based on Washoe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface programs help farmers maintain operations near growing cities while implementing conservation practices. Water efficiency programs are critical for sustaining agriculture in competition with municipal water demands.
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 Washoe County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Lassen County, California, Modoc County, California, Nevada County, California, Placer County, California, Sierra County, California, and Churchill County, Nevada. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Washoe 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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