Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sheridan County
Sheridan County is part of the Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part land resource region (MLRA 58B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sheridan County sees 18.5 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 43.3°F mean annual temperature.
Sheridan County carries 29,371 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,121,249 acres. 747 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,644 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-Central Wyoming |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Sheep, Horses, Poultry, Wheat, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Sheridan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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 Sheridan County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Sheridan County at an average farm size of 1,644 acres, 28% small operations, 33% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 50,834 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 Sheridan County
With cattle and sheep in the mix in Sheridan County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Sheridan County Operations
Based on Sheridan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mountain grazing management and riparian restoration programs address forest-grassland transitions and stream corridors. Conservation practices support traditional ranch operations maintaining historical land use patterns.
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 Sheridan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Big Horn County, Montana, Powder River County, Montana, Big Horn County, Wyoming, Campbell County, Wyoming, and Johnson County, Wyoming. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sheridan 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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