Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sherman County
Sherman County is part of the Columbia Plateau land resource region (MLRA 8). The county's mean elevation is about 2,314 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sherman County sees 13.3 in of rain, a 303-day growing season, a 50.4°F mean annual temperature.
Sherman County carries 1,836 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 131,416 acres. 173 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,327 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Oregon |
| Top Commodities | Wheat, Cattle & calves, Barley, Goats |
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 Sherman County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
302 Scott Street, Moro, OR 97039
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 Sherman County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Sherman County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
CSP is ideal for dryland grain operations already using conservation tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation. CRP works for highly erodible or marginal land. Wind erosion control is a relevant resource concern.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Sherman County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Gilliam County, Oregon, Wasco County, Oregon, and Klickitat County, Washington. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sherman County
- Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
- Read the full Oregon guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Oregon Farm Programs Guide
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