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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cotton County
Cotton County lies in the Central Rolling Red Prairies (MLRA 80A) region. Elevation averages about 1,012 feet.
Cotton County averages 31.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 63.1°F.
Cotton County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and cotton. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 353 farms working 322,468 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 46,513 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Cotton, Horses, Sheep, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 25+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Cotton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 W Missouri, Walters, OK 73572
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 Cotton County Operations
Based on Cotton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Red River bottom land conservation focuses on drainage management and preventing soil erosion during flood events. Cotton production systems emphasize water management and soil health practices in the variable river bottom soils.
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
Counties Bordering Cotton County
Cotton County shares borders with Comanche County, Oklahoma, Jefferson County, Oklahoma, Stephens County, Oklahoma, Tillman County, Oklahoma, Clay County, Texas, and Wichita County, Texas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Cotton County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Oklahoma guide: Oklahoma Farm Programs Guide
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