Blount County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

980
Farms & Ranches
139K
Acres in Agriculture
141
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$10.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other, Corn, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Blount County, Alabama has 980 farms working 138,653 agricultural acres (average 141 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $10.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Alabama Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Blount County

Blount County lies in the Sand Mountain (MLRA 129) region. Elevation averages about 574 feet.

Blount County averages 57.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.6°F.

Blount County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 980 farms working 138,653 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 11,945 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton

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 Blount County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

501 4th St SW, Cullman, AL 35055

(256) 734-6471

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

55545 Us Hwy 231 N, Oneonta, AL 35121

(205) 274-2363

This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices

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 Blount County Operations

Based on Blount County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Steep slope management and erosion control are priorities, with cost-share for alternative water systems and rotational grazing. Poultry waste management programs help nutrient management on pastures and hay fields.

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 Blount County

Blount County shares borders with Cullman County, Alabama, Etowah County, Alabama, Jefferson County, Alabama, Marshall County, Alabama, St. Clair County, Alabama, and Walker 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 Blount County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Alabama guide: Alabama Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.74
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Blount 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.