Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ward County
Temperatures in Ward County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 98°F. Annual precipitation averages 11.7 inches.
Ward County ran 52 farms, 441,773 acres of farmland, and 2,913 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, hogs, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Trans-Pecos / Permian Basin |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Hogs, Horses, Goats, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Ward County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
3600 S Stockton Hwy, Suite 11, Monahans, TX 79756
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1417 W 3rd St, Pecos, TX 79772
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 Ward County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Ward County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Desert rangeland, irrigation efficiency, and livestock water.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Livestock water development, irrigation water management, brush management, and prescribed grazing.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Crane County, Texas, Ector County, Texas, Loving County, Texas, Pecos County, Texas, Reeves County, Texas, and Winkler County, Texas. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Ward 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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