Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Butler County
Elevation across Butler County averages about 360 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 57.4 inches per year. January lows average around 36°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 397 farms in Butler County, operating across 90,393 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 228 acres. Top commodities include cattle, goats, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats, Horses, Berries |
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 Butler County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
320 Greenville Byp, Greenville, AL 36037
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 Butler County
The forage year in Butler County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 16,717 acres of pastureland and 8,999 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Butler County
About 28% of Butler County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 228 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Butler County
Butler County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, goats, and equine. 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 Butler County Operations
Based on Butler County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management and irrigation efficiency are program priorities supporting peanut and cotton production. Cover crop adoption and integrated pest management practices receive cost-share assistance for sustainable farming systems.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Butler County: Conecuh County, Alabama, Covington County, Alabama, Crenshaw County, Alabama, Lowndes County, Alabama, Monroe County, Alabama, and Wilcox County, Alabama. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Butler 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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