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: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 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.
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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