Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Autauga County
Autauga County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 435 feet.
Autauga County averages 55.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 64.4°F.
Autauga County's agricultural base centers on cotton and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 353 farms working 104,722 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 13,547 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Autauga County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2226 Highway 14 W, Autaugaville, AL 36003
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 Autauga County
Autauga County reported 13,547 head of cattle across roughly 19,203 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Autauga County.
Farm Structure in Autauga County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Autauga County, roughly 1,939 acres. Farms average 297 acres, with about 22% classed as small operations. Around 17% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Autauga County
Given the operation mix in Autauga County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Autauga County Operations
Based on Autauga County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on riparian buffers along waterways and pasture improvement practices. Cost-share assistance supports fencing and water system improvements for livestock operations.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
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
Counties Bordering Autauga County
Autauga County shares borders with Chilton County, Alabama, Dallas County, Alabama, Elmore County, Alabama, Lowndes County, Alabama, and Montgomery County, Alabama. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Autauga County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Alabama guide: Alabama Farm Programs Guide
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