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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Johnston County
Elevation across Johnston County averages about 817 feet. The county falls within the Arbuckle Uplift (MLRA 85B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 42.6 inches per year. January lows average around 30°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 616 farms in Johnston County, operating across 243,661 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 396 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sheep, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Poultry, Soybeans, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Johnston County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1014 N Kemp Ave, Tishomingo, OK 73460
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.
Forage and Grazing in Johnston County
The forage year in Johnston County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 155,939 acres of pastureland and 30,528 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Johnston County
About 23% of Johnston County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 396 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Johnston County
Given the operation mix in Johnston County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Johnston County Operations
Based on Johnston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports forest management practices and livestock water systems needed for cattle operations in timbered terrain. CSP provides payments for maintaining forest cover and riparian buffers that protect water quality in the Lake Texoma watershed.
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 Johnston County: Atoka County, Oklahoma, Bryan County, Oklahoma, Carter County, Oklahoma, Coal County, Oklahoma, Marshall County, Oklahoma, and Murray County, Oklahoma. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Johnston 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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