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Chaves County, New Mexico

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

The county sits in the Pecos River valley with irrigated farmland along the river and extensive rangeland stretching east and west. Roswell anchors the region with the surrounding valley providing some of the state's most productive agricultural land.

Intensive irrigation agriculture produces alfalfa, cotton, and corn along the Pecos River corridor. Large dairies have become increasingly important, supported by locally grown feed crops and favorable climate conditions.

Quick Facts
RegionSoutheastern New Mexico
Top CommoditiesDairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Horses
Farms & Ranches~420 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~2,310,000 acres
Average Farm Size~4,800 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Chaves County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Chaves County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Chaves County?"

Your Next Steps in Chaves County

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

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