Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Delta County
Elevation across Delta County averages about 451 feet. The county falls within the Texas Blackland Prairie, Northern Part (MLRA 86A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 46.1 inches per year. January lows average around 34°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 433 farms in Delta County, operating across 108,877 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 251 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Texas / Blackland Prairie |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Cotton, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Delta County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1400 W Wilson, Cooper, TX 75432
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
530 N. Hillcrest Dr #C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
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 Delta County
The forage year in Delta County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 34,710 acres of pastureland and 924 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Delta County
About 22% of Delta County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 27% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 251 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Delta County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Delta 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 brush management (rangeland). 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 Delta County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Delta County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Soil health on Blackland Prairie, pasture improvement, and water quality.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Cover crops, nutrient management, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, and riparian buffers.
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 Delta County: Fannin County, Texas, Franklin County, Texas, Hopkins County, Texas, Hunt County, Texas, Lamar County, Texas, and Red River County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Delta 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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