Jefferson County, Oklahoma: USDA programs and conservation funding

356
Farms & Ranches
485K
Acres in Agriculture
1,362
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$73.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Field Crops, Other, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Jefferson County, Oklahoma has 356 farms working 484,918 agricultural acres (average 1,362 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $73.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Apr, 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 Jefferson County

Jefferson County is part of the Central Rolling Red Prairies land resource region (MLRA 80A). The county's mean elevation is about 928 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Jefferson County sees 35.1 in of rain, a 63.3°F mean annual temperature.

Jefferson County carries 74,515 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 346,560 acres. 356 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,362 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Oklahoma
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Horses, Goats, Poultry

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 Jefferson County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1431 E. G Ave, Waurika, OK 73573

(580) 228-2352

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 Jefferson County Operations

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

EQIP funding focuses on livestock water systems and cross-fencing to improve pasture management and grazing distribution. CRP enrollment protects creek bottomland while providing wildlife habitat and reducing erosion from agricultural runoff.

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 Jefferson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carter County, Oklahoma, Cotton County, Oklahoma, Love County, Oklahoma, Stephens County, Oklahoma, Clay County, Texas, and Montague County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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 FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.68
Peak season (Apr)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Jefferson 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.