Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Moore County
Moore County averages 18.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.0°F.
Moore County's agricultural base centers on cattle, milk, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 218 farms working 511,477 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 74,332 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Texas Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Dairy, Corn, Cotton, Grain sorghum, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 25+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Moore County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 S Bliss Ave Rm 102, Dumas, TX 79029
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.
Farm Structure in Moore County
Irrigation covers about 10% of farmland in Moore County, roughly 50,415 acres. Farms average 2,346 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Moore County
Given the operation mix in Moore County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 Moore County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Moore County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Ogallala), feedlot waste management, soil health, and wind erosion.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, waste management systems, cover crops, residue management, and windbreak establishment.
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
Counties Bordering Moore County
Moore County shares borders with Carson County, Texas, Dallam County, Texas, Hansford County, Texas, Hartley County, Texas, Hutchinson County, Texas, and Oldham County, Texas. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Moore 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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