Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About King County
King County is part of the Central Rolling Red Plains, Western Part land resource region (MLRA 78B).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, King County sees 23.5 in of rain, a 63.6°F mean annual temperature.
King County carries 1,453 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 458,304 acres. 54 farms operate in the county, averaging 10,410 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Rolling Plains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 King County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
500 East 7th, Guthrie, TX 79236
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
920 Bray, W Hwy 70, Paducah, TX 79248
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 King County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of King County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Rangeland health, brush management, and wildlife habitat.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and prescribed burning.
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
Every county has specific conservation priorities set by the Local Working Group (LWG), a committee of local ranchers, farmers, NRCS staff, and conservation partners. EQIP applications that address local priorities score higher in the ranking process.
King County Conservation Priorities
King County is cow-calf country on the Rolling Plains, where mesquite and prickly pear encroachment steadily reduce usable grazing acres. Conservation priorities here reflect that reality:
- Brush management: Mesquite and prickly pear removal is the top-funded EQIP practice in this part of Texas. Mechanical, chemical, and prescribed burning methods may all qualify for cost-share.
- Livestock water development: Wells, pipelines, and storage tanks that distribute cattle across the range and reduce pressure on riparian areas.
- Prescribed burning: Fire is the most effective long-term tool for controlling brush regrowth on Rolling Plains rangeland. EQIP can help cover firebreak construction and burn plan development.
- Prescribed grazing: Rotational systems that improve rangeland health and forage production.
- Wildlife habitat: Bobwhite quail habitat improvement overlaps heavily with brush management and grazing practices in this region.
Insurance note: For cow-calf operations, Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can provide a price floor on feeder and fed cattle. Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance may help offset forage losses during drought years. Both are worth discussing with your local crop insurance agent.
Confirm current priorities with your local NRCS office. You can also attend the annual LWG meeting. They’re open to all producers.
Nearby Counties
Operators in King County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cottle County, Texas, Dickens County, Texas, Foard County, Texas, Haskell County, Texas, Kent County, Texas, and Knox County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in King 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
Built by ranchers who’ve been through it. Every guide on this site is free.