Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Potter County
The growing season in Potter County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 18.7 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 243 farms in Potter County, operating across 581,288 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,392 acres. Top commodities include cattle, cotton, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Texas Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Cotton, Horses, Grain sorghum, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Potter County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6565 W Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79106
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 Potter County
The forage year in Potter County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 511,037 acres of pastureland and 15,168 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Potter County
About 26% of Potter County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 23% of farms are small and 18% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 2,392 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Potter County
Potter County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and cotton. 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 Potter County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Potter County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency, feedlot waste management, soil health, and wind erosion. Lake Meredith watershed.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, waste management, cover crops, windbreak establishment, and residue management.
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 Potter County: Armstrong County, Texas, Carson County, Texas, Deaf Smith County, Texas, Moore County, Texas, Oldham County, Texas, and Randall County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Potter 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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