Runnels County, Texas: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,039
Farms & Ranches
673K
Acres in Agriculture
647
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$42.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Cotton, Grain, Wheat, Sheep
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Runnels County, Texas has 1,039 farms working 672,612 agricultural acres (average 647 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $42.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Cotton, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Runnels County operations

With 1,039 farms averaging 647 acres, a cattle and cotton commodity base, vegetation peaking near May at 0.48 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Texas Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Runnels County

Runnels County is part of the Central Rolling Red Plains, Western Part land resource region (MLRA 78B).

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Runnels County sees 24.6 in of rain, a 65.1°F mean annual temperature.

Runnels County carries 1,879 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 353,114 acres. 1,039 farms operate in the county, averaging 647 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionWest Central Texas
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Cotton, Wheat, Sheep, Corn, Goats

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

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 Runnels County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2002 Hutchins Ave, Ballinger, TX 76821

(325) 365-3415

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 Runnels County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Runnels County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 353,114 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.

Farm Structure in Runnels County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Runnels County at an average farm size of 647 acres, 12% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 6,199 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.

What Tends to Fit in Runnels County

Given the operation mix in Runnels County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. 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 Runnels County Operations

Based on the agricultural profile of Runnels County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:

Rangeland health, brush management, and soil health on cropland.

Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, prescribed grazing, cover crops, cross-fencing, and livestock water development.

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 Runnels County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Coke County, Texas, Coleman County, Texas, Concho County, Texas, Nolan County, Texas, Taylor County, Texas, and Tom Green County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Runnels County

  1. Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
  2. Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the full Texas guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Texas Farm Programs Guide

Built by ranchers who’ve been through it. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementCRPEQIP Fencing

Vegetation Baseline

0.37
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.48
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Runnels County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.