Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Matagorda County
Temperatures in Matagorda County range from a January mean low of 45°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 45.4 inches.
Matagorda County ran 814 farms, 545,730 acres of farmland, and 52,067 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: sod, cattle, and rice.
Quick Facts
| Region | Mid-Coast / Gulf Plains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Rice, Cotton, Corn, Grain sorghum, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 19+ 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 Matagorda County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1006 Avenue F, Bay City, TX 77414
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 Matagorda County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Matagorda County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Rice field water management, coastal prairie, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Water management on rice, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, wildlife habitat management, and cover crops.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Brazoria County, Texas, Calhoun County, Texas, Jackson County, Texas, and Wharton County, Texas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Matagorda 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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