Hughes County, Oklahoma: USDA programs and conservation funding

744
Farms & Ranches
352K
Acres in Agriculture
472
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$35.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Hogs, Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hughes County, Oklahoma has 744 farms working 351,521 agricultural acres (average 472 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $35.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Hogs, Cattle, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Hughes County

Hughes County is part of the Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Western Part land resource region (MLRA 118B). The county's mean elevation is about 874 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Hughes County sees 44.4 in of rain, a 61.4°F mean annual temperature.

Hughes County carries 48,617 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 209,174 acres. 744 farms operate in the county, averaging 472 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Oklahoma
Top CommoditiesHogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Poultry, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 23+ 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 Hughes County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

419 E Highway St, Holdenville, OK 74848

(405) 379-3221

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 Hughes County Operations

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

EQIP funding supports livestock water systems and pasture improvement on marginal farmland transitioning from timber use. CSP provides incentives for maintaining riparian forest buffers along creeks while implementing prescribed burning for pasture management.

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 Hughes County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Coal County, Oklahoma, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, and Seminole County, Oklahoma. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Hughes 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Hughes 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.