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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Washington County lies in the Cherokee Prairies (MLRA 112) region. Elevation averages about 716 feet.
Washington County averages 41.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 303 days. Annual mean temperature is 59.1°F.
Washington County's agricultural base centers on cattle, wheat, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 652 farms working 188,139 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 24,955 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Oklahoma |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, 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 Washington County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1067 NE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1125 E Cherokee Ave, Nowata, OK 74048
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 Washington County
Washington County reported 24,955 head of cattle across roughly 117,145 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 Washington County.
Farm Structure in Washington County
Washington County reports about 269 acres under irrigation. Farms average 289 acres, with about 26% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Washington County
Washington County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and wheat. 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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grassland conservation programs help maintain native prairie remnants while supporting cattle ranching operations. Pond construction and fencing assistance supports livestock operations throughout the county.
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 Washington County
Washington County shares borders with Chautauqua County, Kansas, Montgomery County, Kansas, Nowata County, Oklahoma, Osage County, Oklahoma, Rogers County, Oklahoma, and Tulsa 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 Washington 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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