Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Martin County
The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Southern Part (MLRA 77C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 15.8 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 95°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 395 farms in Martin County, operating across 576,851 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,460 acres. Top commodities include cotton, cattle, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Permian Basin / West Texas |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Cattle & calves, Goats, Poultry |
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 Martin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3428 I-20 Frontage Road, Stanton, TX 79782
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 Martin County
The forage year in Martin County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 295,520 acres of pastureland and 2,757 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Martin County
About 21% of Martin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 11% of farms are small and 23% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,460 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Martin County
Given the operation mix in Martin County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Martin County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Martin County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency, rangeland restoration, wind erosion, and soil health.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, brush management, cover crops, windbreak establishment, 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 Martin County: Andrews County, Texas, Borden County, Texas, Dawson County, Texas, Gaines County, Texas, Glasscock County, Texas, and Howard County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Martin 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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