Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ochiltree County
The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 77A) land resource region.
The growing season in Ochiltree County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 21.4 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 94°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 285 farms in Ochiltree County, operating across 435,702 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,529 acres. Top commodities include corn, wheat, and sorghum.
Quick Facts
| Region | Texas Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Wheat, Grain sorghum, Cotton, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 24+ 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 Ochiltree County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
800 N Main St Ste D, Perryton, TX 79070
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 Ochiltree County
The forage year in Ochiltree County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 164,564 acres of pastureland and 3,986 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Ochiltree County
About 27% of Ochiltree County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 7% of farms are small and 26% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,529 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Ochiltree County
With corn and grain in the mix in Ochiltree County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Ochiltree County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Ochiltree 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, 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Ochiltree County: Beaver County, Oklahoma, Texas County, Oklahoma, Hansford County, Texas, Lipscomb County, Texas, and Roberts County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Ochiltree 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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