Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wallowa County
Wallowa County lies in the Blue and Seven Devils Mountains (MLRA 43C) region. Elevation averages about 4,534 feet.
Wallowa County averages 26.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.9°F.
Wallowa County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 480 farms working 504,713 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 17,763 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Oregon / Wallowa Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Horses, Barley, Sheep, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Wallowa County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
401 NE 1st St Ste E, Enterprise, OR 97828
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.
Forage and Grazing in Wallowa County
Wallowa County reported 17,763 head of cattle across roughly 353,773 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Wallowa County.
Farm Structure in Wallowa County
Irrigation covers about 7% of farmland in Wallowa County, roughly 35,133 acres. Farms average 1,051 acres, with about 28% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Wallowa County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Wallowa County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Wallowa County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Wallowa County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Rangeland health, noxious weed management, water development for livestock distribution, and wildlife-friendly fencing are top priorities. The Wallowa Mountains make this prime elk and wolf country, wildlife-livestock coexistence practices are relevant.
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
Counties Bordering Wallowa County
Wallowa County shares borders with Adams County, Idaho, Idaho County, Idaho, Nez Perce County, Idaho, Baker County, Oregon, Umatilla County, Oregon, and Union County, Oregon. 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 Wallowa 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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