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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McKinley County
McKinley County sits within the Colorado Plateau (MLRA 35) region. Elevation averages about 7,511 feet.
Temperatures in McKinley County range from a January mean low of 17°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 11.2 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
McKinley County ran 1,664 farms, 2,420,328 acres of farmland, and 11,587 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern New Mexico |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 McKinley County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
200 South Ash Street, Aztec, NM 87410
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2330 East Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301
This county also has 5 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 McKinley County Operations
Based on McKinley County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize supporting traditional Native American farming systems and sustainable grazing practices on tribal lands. Beginning farmer assistance targets young tribal members continuing cultural agricultural traditions.
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 Apache County, Arizona, Cibola County, New Mexico, Sandoval County, New Mexico, and San Juan County, New Mexico. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in McKinley 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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