Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hartley County
The growing season in Hartley County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 16.7 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 224 farms in Hartley County, operating across 935,417 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 4,176 acres. Top commodities include cattle, milk, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Texas Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Vegetables, Cotton, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 25+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Hartley County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1000 9th St, Hartley, TX 79044
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 Hartley County
The forage year in Hartley County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 565,536 acres of pastureland and 81,138 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hartley County
About 17% of Hartley County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 5% of farms are small and 38% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 4,176 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hartley County
Hartley 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 Hartley County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Hartley County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Ogallala), feedlot waste management, soil health, and wind erosion.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, waste management systems, cover crops, residue 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Hartley County: Quay County, New Mexico, Union County, New Mexico, Dallam County, Texas, Moore County, Texas, Oldham County, Texas, and Sherman County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hartley 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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