Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Starr County
Starr County is part of the Lower Rio Grande Plain land resource region (MLRA 83D).
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Starr County sees 21.8 in of rain, a 74.8°F mean annual temperature.
Starr County carries 29,100 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 311,240 acres. 1,126 farms operate in the county, averaging 416 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Rio Grande Valley / South Texas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Grain sorghum, Corn, Cotton, Goats, Horses |
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 Starr County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
708 W Main Street, Suite B, Rio Grande City, TX 78582
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 Starr County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Starr County greening up around May and peaking in November. The county carries about 311,240 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 Starr County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Starr County at an average farm size of 416 acres, 21% small operations, 19% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 4,619 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 Starr County
Starr County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, 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 Starr County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Starr County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Brush management, wildlife habitat, irrigation efficiency, and rangeland health.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, irrigation water management, prescribed burning, livestock water development, 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 Starr County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Brooks County, Texas, Hidalgo County, Texas, Jim Hogg County, Texas, and Zapata County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Starr 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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