Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Johnson County
Johnson County is part of the Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part land resource region (MLRA 58B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Johnson County sees 15.2 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.9°F mean annual temperature.
Johnson County carries 38,276 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,968,968 acres. 402 farms operate in the county, averaging 5,060 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Wyoming |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Barley, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn |
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 Johnson County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
500 W Lott St, Buffalo, WY 82834
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1949 Sugarland Dr, Sheridan, WY 82801
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 Johnson County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Johnson County at an average farm size of 5,060 acres, 11% small operations, 32% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 36,760 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 Johnson County
Johnson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, sheep, and barley. 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 Johnson County Operations
Based on Johnson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mountain grazing management and riparian protection programs address forest-range interfaces and stream corridors. Livestock protection assistance helps ranchers deal with predation in mountain environments.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
Johnson County Conservation Priorities
Johnson County is classic Wyoming cow-calf country, where ranches run cattle from valley winter pastures up to Bighorn Mountain summer range. The Powder River corridor, sagebrush foothills, and mountain meadows each have distinct conservation needs:
- Sage-grouse habitat: Johnson County includes sage-grouse core areas. NRCS may offer dedicated EQIP funding for sage-grouse conservation, including sagebrush restoration, conifer removal in sagebrush steppe, and wildlife-friendly fencing.
- Livestock water development: Wells, solar pumps, pipelines, and tanks that improve cattle distribution on large rangeland pastures and reduce dependence on creek water during dry years.
- Riparian area protection: Fencing, off-stream water, and hardened crossings along the Powder River and mountain creeks. Riparian health is a priority resource concern for both water quality and fisheries.
- Prescribed grazing: Grazing management plans that coordinate seasonal moves between valley, foothill, and mountain pastures to match forage availability.
- Wildlife-friendly fencing: Smooth-bottom-wire and let-down designs that allow pronghorn and mule deer movement while managing cattle. These may qualify for EQIP or sage-grouse initiative funding.
- Conifer encroachment: Juniper and other conifers invading sagebrush and grassland acres. Removal projects benefit both grazing and wildlife.
Insurance note: Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can help manage price risk on feeder cattle from cow-calf operations. PRF insurance is relevant for the lower-elevation rangeland. It may provide indemnity payments when rainfall index falls short in your grid.
Confirm current priorities with your local NRCS office. Annual LWG meetings are open to all producers.
Nearby Counties
Operators in Johnson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Big Horn County, Wyoming, Campbell County, Wyoming, Converse County, Wyoming, Natrona County, Wyoming, Sheridan County, Wyoming, and Washakie County, Wyoming. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Johnson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Wyoming guide: Wyoming Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.