Jackson County, Oklahoma: USDA programs and conservation funding

638
Farms & Ranches
478K
Acres in Agriculture
750
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$17.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cotton, Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Jackson County, Oklahoma has 638 farms working 478,234 agricultural acres (average 750 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $17.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cotton, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Mar, 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 Jackson County

Elevation across Jackson County averages about 1,353 feet. The county falls within the Central Rolling Red Plains, Eastern Part (MLRA 78C) land resource region.

The growing season in Jackson County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 27.0 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 97°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 638 farms in Jackson County, operating across 478,234 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 750 acres. Top commodities include cotton, cattle, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Oklahoma
Top CommoditiesCotton, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Hogs, Sheep

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 Jackson County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

3100 N Main St, Altus, OK 73521

(580) 482-4312

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 Jackson County Operations

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

EQIP provides critical support for irrigation system improvements and water conservation technology needed for sustainable cotton production. CRP helps reduce wind erosion on marginal cropland while providing nesting habitat for grassland birds like quail and dove.

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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Jackson County: Greer County, Oklahoma, Harmon County, Oklahoma, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, Tillman County, Oklahoma, Hardeman County, Texas, and Wilbarger County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Jackson 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 Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.60
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.63
Peak season (Mar)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Jackson 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.