Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Brewster County
Elevation across Brewster County averages about 3,084 feet. The county falls within the Trans-Pecos Mountains, Plateaus, and Basins (MLRA 42A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 12.6 inches per year. January lows average around 34°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 205 farms in Brewster County, operating across 2,259,266 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 11,021 acres. Top commodities include cattle, foliage plants, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Trans-Pecos / Big Bend |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Cotton, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 52+ 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 Brewster County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1805 State Hwy. 118 North, Alpine, TX 79830
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 Brewster County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Brewster County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Desert rangeland restoration, brush management (creosote, mesquite), livestock water in extremely arid conditions, and wildlife habitat.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, livestock water development (wells, pipelines, storage), range planting, prescribed grazing, and wildlife habitat management.
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 Brewster County: Jeff Davis County, Texas, Pecos County, Texas, Presidio County, Texas, and Terrell County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Brewster 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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