Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Garfield County
The growing season in Garfield County spans roughly 245 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 12.9 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 297 farms in Garfield County, operating across 85,397 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 288 acres. Top commodities include equine, sheep, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Utah |
| Top Commodities | Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Honey, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 52+ 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 Garfield County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
225 E Center St, Panguitch, UT 84759
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.
Farm Structure in Garfield County
About 24% of Garfield County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 32% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 288 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Garfield County
With sheep and equine in the mix in Garfield 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 waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). 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 Garfield County Operations
Based on Garfield County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on high-altitude grazing management and wildlife habitat conservation in sensitive red rock and plateau environments. Programs emphasize sustainable rangeland practices compatible with the county's extensive public lands and tourism economy.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Garfield County: Beaver County, Utah, Iron County, Utah, Kane County, Utah, Piute County, Utah, San Juan County, Utah, and Wayne County, Utah. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Garfield 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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