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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Union County lies in the High Plateaus of the Southwestern Great Plains (MLRA 70A) region. Elevation averages about 5,604 feet.
Union County averages 16.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 245 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.6°F.
Union County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 343 farms working 1,925,764 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,970 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeastern New Mexico |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
20 N 2nd St, Clayton, NM 88415
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on soil conservation and wind erosion control in wheat-fallow rotations typical of Great Plains farming. Conservation efforts emphasize maintaining native grasslands and implementing rotational grazing systems.
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 Union County
Union County shares borders with Baca County, Colorado, Las Animas County, Colorado, Colfax County, New Mexico, Harding County, New Mexico, Quay County, New Mexico, and Cimarron County, Oklahoma. 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 Union 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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