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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pittsburg County
Pittsburg County lies in the Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Western Part (MLRA 118B) region. Elevation averages about 794 feet.
Pittsburg County averages 46.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.6°F.
Pittsburg County's agricultural base centers on cattle, equine, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,412 farms working 475,795 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 65,631 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Horses, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep |
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 Pittsburg County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2099 N George Nigh Expressway, Mcalester, OK 74501
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 Pittsburg County
Pittsburg County reported 65,631 head of cattle across roughly 264,062 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June 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 Pittsburg County.
Farm Structure in Pittsburg County
Pittsburg County reports about 2,028 acres under irrigation. Farms average 337 acres, with about 15% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pittsburg County
Pittsburg County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, equine, and equine. 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 specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Pittsburg County Operations
Based on Pittsburg County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management practices help landowners balance timber production with cattle grazing in woodland areas. Cost-share assistance for pond construction and fencing supports cattle operations in the mountainous terrain.
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 Pittsburg County
Pittsburg County shares borders with Atoka County, Oklahoma, Coal County, Oklahoma, Haskell County, Oklahoma, Hughes County, Oklahoma, Latimer County, Oklahoma, and McIntosh 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 Pittsburg 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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