Rich County, Utah: USDA programs and conservation funding

145
Farms & Ranches
362K
Acres in Agriculture
2,498
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$21.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Sheep, Barley, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Rich County, Utah has 145 farms working 362,184 agricultural acres (average 2,498 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $21.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Sheep. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Rich County operations

With 145 farms averaging 2,498 acres, a cattle and sheep commodity base, vegetation peaking near May at 0.30 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Utah Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Located in Bear Lake Valley on the Utah-Idaho border, with Bear Lake forming the northern boundary and the Bear River Range rising to the east. This high mountain valley sits at 5,900 feet elevation surrounded by peaks over 9,000 feet.

Cool-season agriculture focuses on small grains, hay production, and cattle ranching adapted to the short growing season and high elevation. The fertile valley soils and snowpack irrigation support productive agriculture despite challenging climate conditions.

Quick Facts
RegionNorthern Utah
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Sheep, Barley, Poultry, Vegetables

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 Rich County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

195 N Main, Randolph, UT 84064

(435) 793-3905

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 Rich County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Rich County greening up around March and peaking in May. The county carries about 285,016 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.

Farm Structure in Rich County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Rich County at an average farm size of 2,498 acres, 18% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 37,354 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.

What Tends to Fit in Rich County

With cattle and sheep in the mix in Rich 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 Rich County Operations

Based on Rich County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP programs support practices adapted to high-elevation agriculture including season extension and soil health improvements. Disaster assistance programs frequently support operations facing short growing seasons and potential frost damage.

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 Rich County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bear Lake County, Idaho, Franklin County, Idaho, Cache County, Utah, Morgan County, Utah, Summit County, Utah, and Weber County, Utah. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Rich County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Utah guide: Utah Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.15
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.30
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Rich County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.