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: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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.
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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