Garfield County, Washington: USDA programs and conservation funding

204
Farms & Ranches
263K
Acres in Agriculture
1,287
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Garfield County, Washington has 204 farms working 262,540 agricultural acres (average 1,287 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Garfield County

Garfield County is part of the Palouse and Nez Perce Prairies land resource region (MLRA 9).

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Garfield County sees 19.8 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 48.7°F mean annual temperature.

Garfield County carries 3,323 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 91,543 acres. 204 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,287 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Washington
Top CommoditiesWheat, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Barley, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 42+ 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 Garfield County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

804 W Main St, Pomeroy, WA 99347

(509) 566-2039

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 Garfield County Operations

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

Soil conservation practices emphasize contour farming and residue management on steep palouse slopes prone to erosion. CRP enrollment targets highly erodible areas and provides wildlife habitat in predominantly agricultural landscapes.

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 Garfield County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Wallowa County, Oregon, Asotin County, Washington, Columbia County, Washington, and Whitman County, Washington. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Garfield County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Washington guide: Washington 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

0.38
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.68
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Garfield 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.