Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Clay County lies in the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 1,070 feet.
Clay County averages 57.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.3°F.
Clay County's agricultural base centers on cattle, goats, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 434 farms working 86,388 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 7,809 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
20 W Broad St, Wedowee, AL 36278
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 Clay County
Clay County reported 7,809 head of cattle across roughly 35,055 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 Clay County.
Farm Structure in Clay County
Clay County reports about 352 acres under irrigation. Farms average 199 acres, with about 16% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
Given the operation mix in Clay County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mountain agriculture practices focus on erosion control and alternative water systems for steep terrain livestock operations. Forest management and silvopasture systems receive technical support for sustainable land use.
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 Clay County
Clay County shares borders with Cleburne County, Alabama, Coosa County, Alabama, Randolph County, Alabama, Talladega County, Alabama, and Tallapoosa 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 Clay 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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