Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Piute County
The growing season in Piute County spans roughly 184 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 17.2 inches per year. January lows average around 16°F while July highs reach about 80°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 108 farms in Piute County, operating across 46,033 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 426 acres. Top commodities include cattle and alpacas.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Utah |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 52+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Piute County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
340 N 600 E, Richfield, UT 84701
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 Piute County
The forage year in Piute County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 21,326 acres of pastureland and 2,504 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Piute County
About 12% of Piute County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 426 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Piute County
With cattle and field crops, other in the mix in Piute 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 Piute County Operations
Based on Piute County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on high-altitude grazing management and riparian protection along the Sevier River corridor. Programs emphasize practices adapted to short growing seasons and coordination with extensive forest grazing operations.
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 Piute County: Beaver County, Utah, Garfield County, Utah, Sevier County, Utah, and Wayne County, Utah. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Piute 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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