Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sherman County
The county falls within the Southern High Plains, Northern Part (MLRA 77A) land resource region.
The growing season in Sherman County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 17.6 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 282 farms in Sherman County, operating across 590,226 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 2,093 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Texas Panhandle |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Cotton, Grain sorghum, Wheat, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 25+ 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 Sherman County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
418 N 4th St, Stratford, TX 79084
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 Sherman County
The forage year in Sherman County runs from green-up in July to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 161,139 acres of pastureland and 40,087 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Sherman County
About 29% of Sherman County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 3% of farms are small and 39% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 2,093 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Sherman County
Sherman County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 Sherman County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Sherman County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Irrigation efficiency (Ogallala), soil health, wind erosion, and feedlot waste management.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Irrigation water management, cover crops, residue management, waste 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 Sherman County: Cimarron County, Oklahoma, Texas County, Oklahoma, Dallam County, Texas, Hansford County, Texas, Hartley County, Texas, and Hutchinson County, Texas. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Sherman 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
Built by ranchers who’ve been through it. Every guide on this site is free.