Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dawson County
Elevation across Dawson County averages about 2,994 feet. The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 77C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 17.2 inches per year. January lows average around 30°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 518 farms in Dawson County, operating across 574,896 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,110 acres. Top commodities include cotton, cattle, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Plains |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Dawson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
109 NE 14th St, Lamesa, TX 79331
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 Dawson County
The forage year in Dawson County runs from green-up in July to peak growth in September (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 99,972 acres of pastureland and 107 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Dawson County
About 20% of Dawson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 6% of farms are small and 19% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,110 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Dawson County
Dawson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cotton, grain, 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 Dawson County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Dawson County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Ogallala Aquifer), wind erosion control, and soil health.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, cover crops, residue management, windbreak establishment, and range planting.
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 Dawson County: Borden County, Texas, Gaines County, Texas, Howard County, Texas, Lynn County, Texas, Martin County, Texas, and Terry County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Dawson 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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