Harper County, Oklahoma: USDA programs and conservation funding

460
Farms & Ranches
644K
Acres in Agriculture
1,400
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$181.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Sorghum, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Harper County, Oklahoma has 460 farms working 643,951 agricultural acres (average 1,400 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $181.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Oklahoma Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Harper County

Harper County lies in the Central Rolling Red Plains, Eastern Part (MLRA 78C) region. Elevation averages about 1,933 feet.

Harper County averages 23.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.0°F.

Harper County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and sorghum. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 460 farms working 643,951 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 18,794 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Oklahoma
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Horses, Sheep, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Harper County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1275 N 190 Road, Buffalo, OK 73834

(580) 735-2033

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 Harper County Operations

Based on Harper County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

CRP enrollment protects highly erodible cropland while maintaining grassland habitat for wildlife including deer and quail. EQIP supports implementation of no-till systems and pasture management practices that improve soil health and water infiltration.

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 Harper County

Harper County shares borders with Clark County, Kansas, Comanche County, Kansas, Beaver County, Oklahoma, Ellis County, Oklahoma, Woods County, Oklahoma, and Woodward County, Oklahoma. 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 Harper County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Oklahoma guide: Oklahoma Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.33
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.54
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Harper County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.