Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
The growing season in Washington County spans roughly 303 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 15.2 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 553 farms in Washington County, operating across 105,541 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 191 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sod, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Utah |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Horses, Honey, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 23+ 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 Washington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2390 W Hwy 56, Cedar City, UT 84720
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.
Forage and Grazing in Washington County
The forage year in Washington County runs from green-up in November to peak growth in November (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 67,924 acres of pastureland and 5,660 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Washington County
About 22% of Washington County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 50% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 191 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Washington County
Given the operation mix in Washington County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP prioritizes water conservation technologies including drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring systems essential for desert agriculture. Beginning Farmer programs support the growing specialty crop and agritourism sectors serving the expanding population.
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 Washington County: Mohave County, Arizona, Lincoln County, Nevada, Iron County, Utah, and Kane County, Utah. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Washington County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Utah guide: Utah Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.