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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County lies in the North Cross Timbers (MLRA 84A) region. Elevation averages about 1,030 feet.
Pottawatomie County averages 39.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 61.1°F.
Pottawatomie County's agricultural base centers on equine, equine, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,553 farms working 292,441 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 41,983 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Poultry, Wheat, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Pottawatomie County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1510 N Kickapoo, Suite 15, Shawnee, OK 74804
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 Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County reported 41,983 head of cattle across roughly 154,125 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May 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 Pottawatomie County.
Farm Structure in Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County reports about 1,094 acres under irrigation. Farms average 188 acres, with about 22% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, 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, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Pottawatomie County Operations
Based on Pottawatomie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address soil health and water quality concerns while supporting diverse agricultural enterprises. Marketing assistance helps farmers take advantage of nearby urban markets for specialty crops.
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 Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County shares borders with Cleveland County, Oklahoma, Lincoln County, Oklahoma, McClain County, Oklahoma, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, Oklahoma 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 Pottawatomie 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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