Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Howard County
The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 77C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 18.5 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 95°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 407 farms in Howard County, operating across 575,487 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,414 acres. Top commodities include cotton, cattle, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Permian Basin / West Texas |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Cattle & calves, Horses, Goats, Poultry, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 10+ 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 Howard County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
302 W Ih-20, Big Spring, TX 79720
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 Howard County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Howard County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Rangeland restoration, irrigation efficiency, wind erosion, and brush management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, irrigation water management, cover crops, livestock water development, 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 Howard County: Borden County, Texas, Dawson County, Texas, Glasscock County, Texas, Martin County, Texas, Mitchell County, Texas, and Sterling County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Howard 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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