Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cameron County
Elevation across Cameron County averages about 24 feet. The county falls within the Lower Rio Grande Plain (MLRA 83D) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 25.6 inches per year. January lows average around 51°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,248 farms in Cameron County, operating across 208,701 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 167 acres. Top commodities include cotton, sorghum, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Rio Grande Valley |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Grain sorghum, Corn, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 5+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Cameron County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2315 W Frontage Hwy 83, San Benito, TX 78586
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 Cameron County
The forage year in Cameron County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 32,815 acres of pastureland and 6,958 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cameron County
About 24% of Cameron County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 62% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 167 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cameron County
Given the operation mix in Cameron County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Cameron County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Cameron County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency, soil health on irrigated cropland, water quality in the Rio Grande watershed, and wildlife habitat (ocelot, aplomado falcon).
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, nutrient management, cover crops, wildlife habitat management, and brush management for native habitat.
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 Cameron County: Hidalgo County, Texas and Willacy County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cameron 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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