Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Barbour County
Barbour County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 460 feet.
Barbour County averages 53.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 65.2°F.
Barbour County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cotton, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 590 farms working 215,074 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 23,485 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Cotton, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Barbour County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
16 Nern St, Clayton, AL 36016
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 Barbour County
Barbour County reported 23,485 head of cattle across roughly 36,564 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June 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 Barbour County.
Farm Structure in Barbour County
Irrigation covers about 4% of farmland in Barbour County, roughly 7,849 acres. Farms average 365 acres, with about 8% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Barbour County
Barbour County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, cotton, and grain. 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 Barbour County Operations
Based on Barbour County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize soil health improvement through cover crops and reduced tillage in cotton and peanut systems. Irrigation efficiency and water conservation practices receive priority funding for drought resilience.
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 Barbour County
Barbour County shares borders with Bullock County, Alabama, Dale County, Alabama, Henry County, Alabama, Pike County, Alabama, Russell County, Alabama, and Clay County, Georgia. 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 Barbour 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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