Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Characterized by dramatic red rock country including portions of Capitol Reef National Park, with elevations from 4,000 feet in the valleys to over 11,000 feet on Boulder Mountain. The Fremont River cuts through sandstone canyons, creating small irrigated valleys surrounded by high desert plateaus and the Waterpocket Fold geological formation.
Small-scale farming operations are located in historic settlements along the Fremont River, producing hay, small grains, and maintaining cattle operations on both private land and grazing allotments. Agricultural activities are limited by terrain and water availability, with many ranches utilizing summer grazing on higher elevation Forest Service lands.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Utah |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Barley, Horses, Sheep, 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 Wayne County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
340 N 600 E, Richfield, UT 84701
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
150 S Main St, Loa, UT 84747
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 Wayne County Operations
Based on Wayne County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding emphasizes grazing management and water development projects to support livestock operations across challenging terrain. LFP provides crucial support during drought periods when grazing on public lands becomes unavailable.
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 Wayne County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Emery County, Utah, Garfield County, Utah, Grand County, Utah, Piute County, Utah, San Juan County, Utah, and Sevier County, Utah. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Wayne 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.