Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hopkins County
The county falls within the Texas Claypan Area, Northern Part (MLRA 87B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 45.8 inches per year. January lows average around 34°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,873 farms in Hopkins County, operating across 317,431 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 169 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Texas / Blackland Prairie |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Goats |
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 Hopkins County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
530 N. Hillcrest Dr #C, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
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 Hopkins County
The forage year in Hopkins County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 155,593 acres of pastureland and 108,491 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hopkins County
About 25% of Hopkins County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 30% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 169 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hopkins County
Hopkins County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, cattle, 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; 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 Hopkins County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Hopkins County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Dairy and poultry waste management, pasture improvement, and water quality.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Waste management systems, nutrient 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 Hopkins County: Delta County, Texas, Franklin County, Texas, Hunt County, Texas, Rains County, Texas, and Wood County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hopkins 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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