Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cass County
Cass County is part of the Western Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133B). The county's mean elevation is about 447 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Cass County sees 50.3 in of rain, a 64.7°F mean annual temperature.
Cass County carries 18,699 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 45,965 acres. 939 farms operate in the county, averaging 148 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Texas / Piney Woods |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Vegetables, Honey |
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 Cass County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
207 Highway 8 N, Linden, TX 75563
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
905 W Us Highway 82, New Boston, TX 75570
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 Cass County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Cass County greening up around April and peaking in August. The county carries about 45,965 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 Cass County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Cass County at an average farm size of 148 acres, 26% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 467 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 Cass County
Cass 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 apiaries, pollinator habitat plantings. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cass County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Cass County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Pasture improvement, forest health, water quality, and poultry litter management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Forest stand improvement, prescribed burning, cross-fencing, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Cass County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Miller County, Arkansas, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, Bowie County, Texas, Marion County, Texas, and Morris County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Cass 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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