Wichita County, Texas: USDA programs and conservation funding

632
Farms & Ranches
299K
Acres in Agriculture
473
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$22.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Wheat, Cotton, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Wichita County, Texas has 632 farms working 298,639 agricultural acres (average 473 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $22.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Wheat. Vegetation typically peaks in Apr, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Wichita County operations

With 632 farms averaging 473 acres, a cattle and grain commodity base, vegetation peaking near Apr at 0.49 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 Wichita County

Wichita County is part of the Central Rolling Red Prairies land resource region (MLRA 80A).

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Wichita County sees 29.7 in of rain, a 63.8°F mean annual temperature.

Wichita County carries 497 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 176,798 acres. 632 farms operate in the county, averaging 473 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionNorth Texas / Rolling Plains
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Wheat, Cotton, Horses, Corn, Grain sorghum

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 5+ 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 Wichita County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

402 N Wall St, Iowa Park, TX 76367

(940) 592-4147

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 Wichita County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Wichita County greening up around April and peaking in April. The county carries about 176,798 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 Wichita County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Wichita County at an average farm size of 473 acres, 34% small operations, 25% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 5,663 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 Wichita County

Wichita County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and wheat. 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 Wichita County Operations

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

Pasture and rangeland improvement, soil health, and water quality.

Commonly funded practices in this area: Cover crops, cross-fencing, prescribed grazing, brush management, and nutrient 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 Wichita County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cotton County, Oklahoma, Tillman County, Oklahoma, Archer County, Texas, Baylor County, Texas, Clay County, Texas, and Wilbarger County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Wichita 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

0.40
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.49
Peak season (Apr)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Wichita 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.