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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chaves County
Chaves County is part of the Pecos and Canadian River Basins land resource region (MLRA 70B). The county's mean elevation is about 3,552 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Chaves County sees 13.4 in of rain, a 303-day growing season, a 59.8°F mean annual temperature.
Chaves County carries 17,289 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,033,995 acres. 485 farms operate in the county, averaging 4,761 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeastern New Mexico |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Chaves County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
5203 Buena Vista Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
300 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Roswell, NM 88201
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.
Forage and Grazing in Chaves County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Chaves County greening up around April and peaking in April. The county carries about 2,033,995 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Chaves County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Chaves County at an average farm size of 4,761 acres, 24% small operations, 29% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 56,841 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Chaves County
Given the operation mix in Chaves County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Chaves County Operations
Based on Chaves County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation and irrigation efficiency programs are critical given reliance on groundwater pumping. Dairy waste management systems and nutrient management planning receive significant program support.
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 Chaves County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include De Baca County, New Mexico, Eddy County, New Mexico, Lea County, New Mexico, Lincoln County, New Mexico, Otero County, New Mexico, and Roosevelt County, New Mexico. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Chaves County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New Mexico guide: New Mexico Farm Programs Guide
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