Utah Farm Programs Guide

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

Quick Facts

Federal Programs in Utah

Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Utah. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.

EQIP in Utah

Utah agriculture is split between irrigated valleys (dairy, hay, small grains) and vast rangeland (cow-calf operations, often intermingled with BLM and Forest Service grazing allotments). EQIP priorities address both water scarcity and rangeland health.

Utah EQIP Priorities:

• Irrigation water management and efficiency (critical in a prior appropriation state)
• Livestock water development
• Grazing management and rangeland health
• Sage-grouse habitat conservation (western and central Utah)
• Soil health on irrigated cropland
• Pinyon-juniper management

Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:

• Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
• Livestock water development (wells, pipelines, spring development)
• Prescribed grazing systems
• Brush management (pinyon-juniper)
• Heavy use area protection
• Irrigation improvements for irrigated pasture and hayland

What ranks well in Utah: Irrigation efficiency and sage-grouse habitat are the two biggest drivers. Water rights are fully appropriated throughout most of Utah, so efficiency improvements that keep more water in streams score extremely well. SGI-funded applications in sage-grouse habitat have dedicated pools.

→ Read the full EQIP guide

CSP in Utah

Utah operations with established irrigation management, grazing rotations, and maintained rangeland infrastructure are solid CSP candidates.

→ Read the full CSP guide

FSA Programs in Utah

Key FSA Programs:

• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
• Microloans (up to $50,000)
• LIP — livestock death from winter storms, drought
• ELAP — drought-related grazing losses
• LFP — triggered by drought monitor conditions
• ECP — wildfire and flood damage

Utah FSA State Office: (801) 524-4530

Utah-Specific Programs

Utah Conservation Districts

Utah has 38 Conservation Districts providing local technical assistance and cost-share opportunities.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)

UDAF administers several programs relevant to livestock operations, including grazing improvement grants and invasive species management.

Website: ag.utah.gov

Utah Tax Provisions for Ag

• Farmland Assessment Act (Greenbelt): Agricultural land is assessed based on productive capability rather than market value. Critical for operations near growing urban areas (Wasatch Front).
• State Income Tax: Utah has a flat 4.65% income tax rate. Farm income is subject to state tax.
• Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm machinery, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are exempt from Utah sales tax when used in agricultural production.

Resources

USDA Offices

• Utah NRCS State Office: 125 South State Street, Room 4402, Salt Lake City, UT 84138 · (801) 524-4550
• Utah FSA State Office: 125 South State Street, Room 4239, Salt Lake City, UT 84138 · (801) 524-4530
• Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/service-locator

State Resources

• USU Extension: extension.usu.edu — Utah State University Extension
• Utah Cattlemen's Association: utahcattlemen.org
• Utah Farm Bureau: utahfarmbureau.org

Key Deadlines (FY2026)

Your Next Steps in Utah

1. Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: /screener
2. Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/service-locator
3. Read the federal program guides: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
4. Irrigation efficiency is Utah's top EQIP priority — upgrades that conserve water score very well
5. Ask about Sage Grouse Initiative if you're in western or central Utah

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