Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jim Wells County
Rainfall averages 26.1 inches per year. January lows average around 46°F while July highs reach about 97°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 960 farms in Jim Wells County, operating across 398,796 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 415 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sorghum, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Texas / Coastal Bend |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Corn, Cotton, Poultry, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 24+ 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 Jim Wells County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
711 East Main Street, Alice, TX 78332
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 Jim Wells County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Jim Wells County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Brush management, rangeland health, cropland soil health, and wildlife habitat.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, prescribed burning, cross-fencing, cover crops, and livestock water development.
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 Jim Wells County: Brooks County, Texas, Duval County, Texas, Kleberg County, Texas, Live Oak County, Texas, Nueces County, Texas, and San Patricio County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Jim Wells 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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