Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hot Springs County
The growing season in Hot Springs County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 13.3 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 163 farms in Hot Springs County, operating across 553,706 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 3,397 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sheep, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Wyoming |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Hogs, Poultry, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 18+ 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 Hot Springs County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
601 Broadway St Ste A, Thermopolis, WY 82443
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
208 Shiloh Rd, Worland, WY 82401
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.
Farm Structure in Hot Springs County
About 32% of Hot Springs County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 23% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 3,397 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hot Springs County
Hot Springs County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, sheep, and equine. 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 Hot Springs County Operations
Based on Hot Springs County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management and irrigation system improvements receive conservation priority in the arid basin environment. Programs support both crop production and livestock operations along the river corridor.
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 Hot Springs County: Fremont County, Wyoming, Park County, Wyoming, and Washakie County, Wyoming. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hot Springs County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wyoming guide: Wyoming Farm Programs Guide
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