Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
The county falls within the Texas Claypan Area, Northern Part (MLRA 87B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 47.1 inches per year. January lows average around 35°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 505 farms in Franklin County, operating across 110,438 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 219 acres. Top commodities include cattle, milk, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Texas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1809 W Ferguson Rd, Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
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 Franklin County
The forage year in Franklin County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 54,344 acres of pastureland and 36,784 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Franklin County
About 21% of Franklin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 219 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Franklin County
Franklin County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, milk, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Franklin County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Franklin County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Pasture improvement, poultry and dairy waste management, and water quality.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Nutrient management, waste 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 Franklin County: Camp County, Texas, Delta County, Texas, Hopkins County, Texas, Red River County, Texas, Titus County, Texas, and Wood County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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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