Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Emery County
Emery County is part of the Warm Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus land resource region (MLRA 34B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Emery County sees 9.4 in of rain, a 245-day growing season, a 51.0°F mean annual temperature.
Emery County carries 9,352 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 58,727 acres. 483 farms operate in the county, averaging 245 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Utah |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Horses, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ 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 Emery County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1090 N Des-Bee-Dove Rd, Castle Dale, UT 84513
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 Emery County Operations
Based on Emery County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP programs emphasize water conservation and range management practices in the arid Colorado Plateau environment. Disaster assistance and LFP support are frequently utilized due to drought conditions and limited forage production.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Emery County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carbon County, Utah, Grand County, Utah, San Juan County, Utah, Sanpete County, Utah, Sevier County, Utah, and Uintah County, Utah. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Emery County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Utah guide: Utah Farm Programs Guide
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