Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Aransas County
Elevation across Aransas County averages about 0 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coast Saline Prairies (MLRA 150B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 36.1 inches per year. January lows average around 47°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 79 farms in Aransas County, operating across 42,886 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 543 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Bend |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Aransas County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
603 E Empresario St, Refugio, TX 78377
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
7439 Hwy 77, Sinton, TX 78387
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.
Farm Structure in Aransas County
About 15% of Aransas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 65% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 543 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Aransas County
Aransas 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 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 Aransas County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Aransas County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Coastal prairie restoration, wildlife habitat (whooping crane corridor), brush management, and water quality protection.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, prescribed grazing, wildlife habitat management, prescribed burning for coastal prairie, and water quality improvement.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Aransas County: Calhoun County, Texas, Nueces County, Texas, Refugio County, Texas, and San Patricio County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Aransas 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
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