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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About De Baca County
De Baca County lies in the Pecos and Canadian River Basins (MLRA 70B) region. Elevation averages about 4,399 feet.
De Baca County averages 13.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.3°F.
De Baca County's agricultural base centers on cattle, sheep, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 175 farms working 928,891 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,216 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East-Central New Mexico |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Horses, Goats, 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 De Baca County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 S Stearns, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
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 De Baca County Operations
Based on De Baca County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation and drought management programs support extensive ranching operations on fragile high plains ecosystems. Livestock watering systems and range improvements help maintain sustainable grazing practices.
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
Counties Bordering De Baca County
De Baca County shares borders with Chaves County, New Mexico, Guadalupe County, New Mexico, Lincoln County, New Mexico, Quay County, New Mexico, and Roosevelt County, New Mexico. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in De Baca 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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