Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Refugio County is located in the Coastal Bend region of Texas. Agriculture here is anchored by cattle & calves, with the county’s operations reflecting the broader character of Coastal Bend agriculture.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Bend |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Corn, Vegetables, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 21+ 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 Refugio County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
603 E Empresario St, Refugio, TX 78377
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 Refugio County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Refugio County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Coastal prairie management, brush management, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, prescribed burning, 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Refugio County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Aransas County, Texas, Bee County, Texas, Calhoun County, Texas, Goliad County, Texas, San Patricio County, Texas, and Victoria County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Refugio 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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