Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gonzales County
The county falls within the Texas Claypan Area, Southern Part (MLRA 87A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 35.0 inches per year. January lows average around 41°F while July highs reach about 96°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,870 farms in Gonzales County, operating across 630,773 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 337 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and deer.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Texas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Deer, Horses, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Gonzales County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1620 Robertson, Gonzales, TX 78629
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 Gonzales County
The forage year in Gonzales County runs from green-up in October to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 429,170 acres of pastureland and 141,914 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Gonzales County
About 28% of Gonzales County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 10% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 337 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Gonzales County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Gonzales 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 Gonzales County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Gonzales County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Poultry litter management, pasture improvement, water quality, and brush management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Nutrient management (poultry), waste management, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, and brush management.
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 Gonzales County: Caldwell County, Texas, DeWitt County, Texas, Fayette County, Texas, Guadalupe County, Texas, Karnes County, Texas, and Lavaca County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Gonzales 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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