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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ellis County
Ellis County is part of the Southern High Plains, Breaks land resource region (MLRA 77E). The county's mean elevation is about 2,342 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ellis County sees 24.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 58.2°F mean annual temperature.
Ellis County carries 29,171 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 643,198 acres. 712 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,102 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Hogs, Wheat, Corn, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Ellis County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
103 N Washington, Arnett, OK 73832
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 Ellis County Operations
Based on Ellis County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wind erosion control through crop residue management and no-till systems addresses the county's exposure to High Plains weather extremes. Drought risk management includes crop insurance and emergency grazing programs for CRP 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 Ellis County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Beaver County, Oklahoma, Dewey County, Oklahoma, Harper County, Oklahoma, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, Woodward County, Oklahoma, and Hemphill County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ellis 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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