Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison County
The county falls within the Texas Claypan Area, Southern Part (MLRA 87A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 44.3 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 95°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 819 farms in Madison County, operating across 214,931 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 262 acres. Top commodities include cattle, goats, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Texas |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Goats, Sheep, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Madison County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
120 S Elm St Ste 110, Madisonville, TX 77864
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1030 S 4th St, Crockett, TX 75835
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 Madison County
The forage year in Madison County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 141,889 acres of pastureland and 36,596 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Madison County
About 26% of Madison County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 262 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Madison County
Madison County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and goats. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Madison County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Madison County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Pasture improvement, forest health, water quality, and poultry litter management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Nutrient management, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, forest stand improvement, 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
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 Madison County: Brazos County, Texas, Grimes County, Texas, Houston County, Texas, Leon County, Texas, Robertson County, Texas, and Walker County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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.