Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Iron County
Temperatures in Iron County range from a January mean low of 19°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 14.5 inches. Expect about 214 frost-free days.
Iron County ran 542 farms, 475,348 acres of farmland, and 12,203 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Utah |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Corn, Horses, Barley |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3).
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 Iron County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2390 W Hwy 56, Cedar City, UT 84720
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 Iron County Operations
Based on Iron County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes efficient irrigation systems and rangeland improvements across diverse elevation zones from desert to mountain forests. Conservation programs support sage-grouse habitat management and watershed protection on the high plateaus.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Lincoln County, Nevada, Beaver County, Utah, Garfield County, Utah, Kane County, Utah, and Washington County, Utah. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Iron 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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