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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Texas County
Texas County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 1,194 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Texas County sees 45.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.6°F mean annual temperature.
Texas County carries 101,448 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 185,075 acres. 1,309 farms operate in the county, averaging 312 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry, Vegetables, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Texas County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6726 Highway 63, Houston, MO 65483
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.
Programs for Texas County Operations
Based on Texas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize rotational grazing systems and pasture improvement to optimize forage production on native grass prairies. Forest management practices support timber production while maintaining wildlife habitat on non-agricultural lands.
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 Texas County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Dent County, Missouri, Douglas County, Missouri, Howell County, Missouri, Laclede County, Missouri, Phelps County, Missouri, and Pulaski County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Texas County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide
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