Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bastrop County
Elevation across Bastrop County averages about 380 feet. The county falls within the Texas Claypan Area, Southern Part (MLRA 87A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 37.6 inches per year. January lows average around 40°F while July highs reach about 96°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,871 farms in Bastrop County, operating across 263,123 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 141 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sod, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Texas / Lost Pines |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Vegetables, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 30+ 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 Bastrop County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
507 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop, TX 78602
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 Bastrop County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Bastrop County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Post-wildfire recovery, pasture improvement, water quality, and forest management in the Lost Pines region.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Forest stand improvement, prescribed burning, cross-fencing, livestock water development, pasture planting, and riparian buffers.
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 Bastrop County: Caldwell County, Texas, Fayette County, Texas, Lee County, Texas, Travis County, Texas, and Williamson County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Bastrop 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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