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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cameron Parish
Cameron Parish is part of the Gulf Coast Marsh land resource region (MLRA 151). The county's mean elevation is about -2 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cameron Parish sees 60.6 in of rain, a 69.1°F mean annual temperature.
Cameron Parish carries 6,688 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 109,838 acres. 230 farms operate in the county, averaging 669 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Cameron Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5417 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70607
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 Cameron Parish
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Cameron Parish greening up around June and peaking in September. The county carries about 109,838 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 Cameron Parish
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Cameron Parish at an average farm size of 669 acres, 18% small operations, 12% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 2,210 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 Cameron Parish
Cameron Parish's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, 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 Cameron Parish Operations
Based on Cameron Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Livestock protection programs are critical due to frequent hurricane impacts and storm surge flooding. Coastal restoration efforts integrate agricultural lands with marsh protection and wildlife habitat enhancement.
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 Cameron Parish frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, Jefferson County, Texas, and Orange County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cameron Parish
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
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