Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Anderson County
Anderson County is part of the Western Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133B). The county's mean elevation is about 580 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Anderson County sees 45.1 in of rain, a 66.2°F mean annual temperature.
Anderson County carries 49,057 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 194,953 acres. 1,741 farms operate in the county, averaging 207 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Texas Piney Woods |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Floriculture, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Anderson County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
201 Us Hwy 175w Ste A, Athens, TX 75751
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
305 E Lacy St Ste 100 & 110, Palestine, TX 75801
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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.
Programs for Anderson County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Anderson County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Pasture and rangeland improvement, livestock water development, and forest management are top priorities. Feral hog damage is a significant concern.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Cross-fencing for rotational grazing, livestock water development, prescribed burning for pasture management, forest stand improvement, and heavy use area protection.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. It takes 2 minutes and generates a personalized action packet you can print and bring to your USDA office.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Anderson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cherokee County, Texas, Freestone County, Texas, Henderson County, Texas, Houston County, Texas, and Leon County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Anderson County
- Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
- Read the full Texas guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Texas Farm Programs Guide
Built by ranchers who’ve been through it. Every guide on this site is free.