Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Colorado County
Colorado County is part of the Gulf Coast Prairies land resource region (MLRA 150A). The county's mean elevation is about 219 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Colorado County sees 44.2 in of rain, a 69.7°F mean annual temperature.
Colorado County carries 56,571 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 245,616 acres. 1,702 farms operate in the county, averaging 266 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Gulf Coast Prairie |
| Top Commodities | Rice, Cattle & calves, Corn, Poultry, Cotton, Deer |
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 Colorado County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2209 Walnut, Columbus, TX 78934
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 Colorado County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Colorado County greening up around April and peaking in September. The county carries about 245,616 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 Colorado County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Colorado County at an average farm size of 266 acres, 25% small operations, 27% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 38,710 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 Colorado County
Colorado County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, rice, and cattle. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Colorado County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Colorado County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Water quality, rice field management, pasture improvement, and soil health on cropland.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Nutrient management, water management on rice, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, and cover crops.
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 Colorado County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Austin County, Texas, Fayette County, Texas, Jackson County, Texas, Lavaca County, Texas, and Wharton County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Colorado 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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