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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About San Juan County
San Juan County is part of the Colorado Plateau land resource region (MLRA 35). The county's mean elevation is about 6,082 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, San Juan County sees 8.9 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 52.0°F mean annual temperature.
San Juan County carries 5,957 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,269,921 acres. 2,877 farms operate in the county, averaging 840 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern New Mexico |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 San Juan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
200 South Ash Street, Aztec, NM 87410
This county also has 2 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 San Juan County Operations
Based on San Juan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency and water management programs address competing demands from energy development and urban growth. Rangeland improvement initiatives help maintain grazing operations in areas affected by energy infrastructure development.
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 San Juan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Apache County, Arizona, Archuleta County, Colorado, La Plata County, Colorado, Montezuma County, Colorado, McKinley County, New Mexico, and Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in San Juan 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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