Crook County, Oregon: USDA programs and conservation funding

609
Farms & Ranches
833K
Acres in Agriculture
1,368
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$32.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Equine, Milk
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Crook County, Oregon has 609 farms working 832,845 agricultural acres (average 1,368 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $32.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Feb, defining the primary growing season.

← Oregon Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Crook County

Elevation across Crook County averages about 3,854 feet. The county falls within the Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills (MLRA 10) land resource region.

The growing season in Crook County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 14.0 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 83°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 609 farms in Crook County, operating across 832,845 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,368 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Oregon
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Horses, Dairy, Bison, Sheep, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Crook County.

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

625 SE Salmon Ave Bldg A, Redmond, OR 97756

(541) 923-4358

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 Crook County Operations

Based on the agricultural profile of Crook County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:

Juniper removal is a top EQIP priority, it's one of the most funded practices in central Oregon. Water development, cross-fencing for grazing systems, and rangeland health improvement are also strong candidates.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. It takes 2 minutes and generates a personalized action packet you can print and bring to your USDA office.


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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Crook County: Deschutes County, Oregon, Grant County, Oregon, Harney County, Oregon, Jefferson County, Oregon, and Wheeler County, Oregon. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Crook County

  1. Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
  2. Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the full Oregon guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Oregon Farm Programs Guide

Built by ranchers who've been through it. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementEQIP Fencing

Vegetation Baseline

0.32
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.38
Peak season (Feb)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Crook County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.