Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About El Paso County
El Paso County sits within the Southern Rio Grande Rift (MLRA 42B) region. Elevation averages about 4,012 feet.
Temperatures in El Paso County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 96°F. Annual precipitation averages 9.5 inches.
El Paso County ran 581 farms, 269,479 acres of farmland, and 624 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cotton, cattle, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | Far West Texas / Rio Grande |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Honey, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 El Paso County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
11940 Don Haskins Ave., El Paso, TX 79936
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 El Paso County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of El Paso County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Rio Grande water rights), soil health on irrigated land, and pecan orchard management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, nutrient management, cover crops, pecan management, and windbreak establishment.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Otero County, New Mexico and Hudspeth County, Texas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in El Paso 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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