Colbert County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

500
Farms & Ranches
143K
Acres in Agriculture
286
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Colbert County, Alabama has 500 farms working 143,106 agricultural acres (average 286 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. 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 Colbert County

Colbert County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128). The county's mean elevation is about 676 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Colbert County sees 57.3 in of rain, a 60.6°F mean annual temperature.

Colbert County carries 7,053 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 18,777 acres. 500 farms operate in the county, averaging 286 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Cattle & calves

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 Colbert County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1700 Neil Morris Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674

(256) 383-4323

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 Colbert County Operations

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

Water quality protection programs focus on nutrient management and buffer strips along the Tennessee River system. Precision agriculture and soil health practices receive support for sustainable crop production 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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Colbert County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Franklin County, Alabama, Lauderdale County, Alabama, Lawrence County, Alabama, and Tishomingo County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Colbert 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.79
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Colbert 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.