Clarke County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

247
Farms & Ranches
50K
Acres in Agriculture
201
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Clarke County, Alabama has 247 farms working 49,651 agricultural acres (average 201 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, 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 Clarke County

Clarke County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 309 feet.

Temperatures in Clarke County range from a January mean low of 37°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 58.1 inches.

Clarke County ran 247 farms, 49,651 acres of farmland, and 3,818 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and goats.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Alabama
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats, Hogs

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Clarke County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

3100 Highway 43, Jackson, AL 36545

(251) 246-9575

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 Clarke County Operations

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

Bottomland hardwood restoration and wetland conservation programs protect critical habitat while supporting agriculture. Soil health improvement practices receive cost-share assistance for sustainable crop and livestock 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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Baldwin County, Alabama, Choctaw County, Alabama, Marengo County, Alabama, Monroe County, Alabama, Washington County, Alabama, and Wilcox County, Alabama. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Clarke 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

CRPCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.80
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.86
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Clarke 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.