Spokane County, Washington: USDA programs and conservation funding

2,386
Farms & Ranches
572K
Acres in Agriculture
240
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$13.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Spokane County, Washington has 2,386 farms working 571,997 agricultural acres (average 240 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $13.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Oct, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Spokane County operations

With 2,386 farms averaging 240 acres, a grain and wheat commodity base, vegetation peaking near Oct at 0.51 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Washington Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Spokane County

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

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Spokane County sees 20.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 47.1°F mean annual temperature.

Spokane County carries 19,982 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 99,359 acres. 2,386 farms operate in the county, averaging 240 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionEastern Washington
Top CommoditiesWheat, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Spokane County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

8815 E Mission Ave Ste B, Spokane Valley, WA 99212

(509) 924-7350

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 Spokane County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Spokane County greening up around April and peaking in October. The county carries about 99,359 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 Spokane County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Spokane County at an average farm size of 240 acres, 49% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 16,257 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 Spokane County

Spokane County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, wheat, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.

Programs for Spokane County Operations

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

Soil conservation practices address erosion control on steep Palouse hillsides and no-till farming systems. Water conservation programs support both dryland farming efficiency and riparian habitat protection.

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 Spokane County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Benewah County, Idaho, Bonner County, Idaho, Kootenai County, Idaho, Lincoln County, Washington, Pend Oreille County, Washington, and Stevens County, Washington. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Spokane 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush Management

Vegetation Baseline

0.38
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.51
Peak season (Oct)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Spokane 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.