Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bell County
Bell County is part of the Texas Blackland Prairie, Northern Part land resource region (MLRA 86A). The county's mean elevation is about 664 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Bell County sees 35.5 in of rain, a 67.1°F mean annual temperature.
Bell County carries 50,764 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 309,272 acres. 2,330 farms operate in the county, averaging 213 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Texas / Blackland Prairie |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Goats, Fruit & tree nuts, Cotton |
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 Bell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
300 W Us Hwy 190 Service Rd, Belton, TX 76513
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 Bell County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Bell County greening up around March and peaking in May. The county carries about 309,272 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Bell County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Bell County at an average farm size of 213 acres, 43% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,337 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Bell County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Bell County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Bell County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Bell County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Soil health on Blackland Prairie soils, pasture improvement, water quality in the Lampasas and Leon River watersheds.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Cover crops, nutrient management, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, 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 Bell County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Burnet County, Texas, Coryell County, Texas, Falls County, Texas, Lampasas County, Texas, McLennan County, Texas, and Milam County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Bell 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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