Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About San Patricio County
San Patricio County is part of the Gulf Coast Prairies land resource region (MLRA 150A).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, San Patricio County sees 31.8 in of rain, a 72.3°F mean annual temperature.
San Patricio County carries 2,282 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 82,730 acres. 620 farms operate in the county, averaging 542 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Bend / South Texas |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Grain sorghum, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 San Patricio County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
7439 Hwy 77, Sinton, TX 78387
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 San Patricio County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in San Patricio County greening up around April and peaking in September. The county carries about 82,730 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 San Patricio County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts San Patricio County at an average farm size of 542 acres, 34% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 3,753 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 San Patricio County
San Patricio County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cotton, grain, and sorghum. 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 San Patricio County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of San Patricio County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Cropland soil health, water quality, brush management, and coastal prairie.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Cover crops, nutrient management, brush management, prescribed grazing, and wildlife habitat 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in San Patricio County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Aransas County, Texas, Bee County, Texas, Jim Wells County, Texas, Live Oak County, Texas, Nueces County, Texas, and Refugio County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in San Patricio 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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