San Juan County, Utah: USDA programs and conservation funding

760
Farms & Ranches
1.7M
Acres in Agriculture
2,194
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$10.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other, Grain
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

San Juan County, Utah has 760 farms working 1,667,744 agricultural acres (average 2,194 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $10.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Nov, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About San Juan County

Based on 1991–2020 normals, San Juan County sees 10.2 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.5°F mean annual temperature.

San Juan County carries 15,166 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,480,934 acres. 760 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,194 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Utah
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables, Sheep, Horses, Goats

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 San Juan County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

32 South 1st East, Monticello, UT 84535

(435) 587-2473

This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices

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 San Juan County Operations

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

EQIP programs emphasize sustainable grazing practices and erosion control in the fragile desert ecosystem. Limited agricultural activity focuses on environmental stewardship compatible with the county's extensive scenic and cultural resources.

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 San Juan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Apache County, Arizona, Coconino County, Arizona, Navajo County, Arizona, Dolores County, Colorado, Mesa County, Colorado, and Montezuma County, Colorado. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in San Juan 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.34
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.44
Peak season (Nov)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for San Juan 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.