Cleburne County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

268
Farms & Ranches
47K
Acres in Agriculture
175
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$5.1M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Flowering Plants, Potted, Field Crops, Other, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Cleburne County, Alabama has 268 farms working 46,919 agricultural acres (average 175 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $5.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Flowering Plants, Potted, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Cleburne County

Cleburne County sits within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 947 feet.

Temperatures in Cleburne County range from a January mean low of 32°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 55.5 inches.

Cleburne County ran 268 farms, 46,919 acres of farmland, and 5,222 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, flowering plants, potted, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Hogs

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 Cleburne County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1413 Hillyer Robinson Industrial Pkwy, Anniston, AL 36207

(256) 835-0512

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 Cleburne County Operations

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

High elevation agriculture programs address unique challenges of mountain farming including erosion control and water access. Alternative livestock watering systems and rotational grazing practices receive priority cost-share assistance.

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 Calhoun County, Alabama, Cherokee County, Alabama, Clay County, Alabama, Randolph County, Alabama, Talladega County, Alabama, and Carroll County, Georgia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Cleburne 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

0.59
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Cleburne 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.