Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Castro County
Elevation across Castro County averages about 3,807 feet. The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 77C) land resource region.
The growing season in Castro County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 19.3 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 415 farms in Castro County, operating across 570,818 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,375 acres. Top commodities include cattle, milk, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Plains / Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Cotton, Grain sorghum, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 23+ 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 Castro County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
114 W Belsher St, Dimmitt, TX 79027
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 Castro County
The forage year in Castro County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 169,433 acres of pastureland and 114,455 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Castro County
About 18% of Castro County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 4% of farms are small and 35% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,375 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Castro County
Given the operation mix in Castro County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and 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 Castro County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Castro County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Ogallala Aquifer, critical depletion), soil health, wind erosion, and dairy waste management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management (LEPA/LESA conversions), cover crops, residue management, nutrient management, and waste storage facilities.
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 Castro County: Deaf Smith County, Texas, Hale County, Texas, Lamb County, Texas, Parmer County, Texas, Randall County, Texas, and Swisher County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Castro 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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