Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cherokee County
Cherokee County lies in the Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 133B) region. Elevation averages about 537 feet.
Cherokee County averages 47.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.2°F.
Cherokee County's agricultural base centers on cattle, flowering plants, potted, and cut flowers & cut cultivated greens. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,411 farms working 325,551 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 58,373 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Texas |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Cherokee County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4361 Loop 343 West, Ste B, Rusk, TX 75785
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 Cherokee County
Cherokee County reported 58,373 head of cattle across roughly 148,984 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Cherokee County.
Farm Structure in Cherokee County
Cherokee County reports about 1,383 acres under irrigation. Farms average 231 acres, with about 29% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Cherokee County
With cattle and field crops, other in the mix in Cherokee 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 high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). 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 Cherokee County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Cherokee County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Pasture improvement, poultry litter management, forest health, and water quality.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Nutrient management, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, forest stand improvement, and livestock water development.
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
Counties Bordering Cherokee County
Cherokee County shares borders with Anderson County, Texas, Angelina County, Texas, Henderson County, Texas, Houston County, Texas, Nacogdoches County, Texas, and Rusk County, Texas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Cherokee 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
Built by ranchers who’ve been through it. Every guide on this site is free.