Chilton County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

524
Farms & Ranches
96K
Acres in Agriculture
184
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$6.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Honey, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Chilton County, Alabama has 524 farms working 96,440 agricultural acres (average 184 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $6.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Chilton County

Chilton County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 561 feet.

Temperatures in Chilton County range from a January mean low of 34°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 55.6 inches.

Chilton County ran 524 farms, 96,440 acres of farmland, and 7,045 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and honey.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Alabama
Top CommoditiesFruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables, Berries, Floriculture

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 Chilton County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2226 Highway 14 W, Autaugaville, AL 36003

(334) 365-5532

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 Chilton County Operations

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

Specialty crop programs support peach orchards through irrigation systems and integrated pest management practices. Diversified farming systems receive technical assistance for combining fruit, vegetable, and 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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Autauga County, Alabama, Bibb County, Alabama, Coosa County, Alabama, Dallas County, Alabama, Elmore County, Alabama, and Perry County, Alabama. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Chilton 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.

Vegetation Baseline

0.74
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.86
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Chilton 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.