Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gillespie County
Gillespie County is part of the Edwards Plateau, Central Part land resource region (MLRA 81B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Gillespie County sees 30.1 in of rain, a 65.8°F mean annual temperature.
Gillespie County carries 1,049 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 426,269 acres. 2,021 farms operate in the county, averaging 272 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Hill Country |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Sheep, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Gillespie County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1906 N Llano St Ste 107, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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 Gillespie County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Gillespie County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 426,269 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Gillespie County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Gillespie County at an average farm size of 272 acres, 25% small operations, 28% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,944 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Gillespie County
Gillespie County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, sheep, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, 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 Gillespie County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Gillespie County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Cedar management, rangeland health, wildlife habitat, and water quantity in the Pedernales watershed.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management (cedar/juniper), prescribed burning, cross-fencing, wildlife habitat management, and prescribed grazing.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Gillespie County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Blanco County, Texas, Kendall County, Texas, Kerr County, Texas, Kimble County, Texas, Llano County, Texas, and Mason County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Gillespie 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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