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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Murray County
Murray County lies in the Arbuckle Uplift (MLRA 85B) region. Elevation averages about 927 feet.
Murray County averages 40.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 62.1°F.
Murray County's agricultural base centers on cattle, goats, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 495 farms working 265,751 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 25,257 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Goats, Horses, Sheep, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Murray County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
3490 Highway 7 West, Sulphur, OK 73086
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
16664 Butler Road, Pauls Valley, OK 73075
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 Murray County
Murray County reported 25,257 head of cattle across roughly 188,841 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a April growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Murray County.
Farm Structure in Murray County
Murray County reports about 193 acres under irrigation. Farms average 537 acres, with about 28% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Murray County
Murray County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, goats, and goats. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Murray County Operations
Based on Murray County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides cost-share for livestock water systems utilizing natural springs and improved pasture establishment on marginal cropland. CSP supports forest management and prescribed burning practices that maintain oak savanna habitat while improving forage quality for cattle.
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 Murray County
Murray County shares borders with Carter County, Oklahoma, Garvin County, Oklahoma, Johnston County, Oklahoma, and Pontotoc 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 Murray 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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