Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Covington County
Elevation across Covington County averages about 219 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 59.7 inches per year. January lows average around 37°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 809 farms in Covington County, operating across 165,318 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 204 acres. Top commodities include cattle, cotton, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Cotton, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Covington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
23952 Al Highway 55, Andalusia, AL 36420
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 Covington County
The forage year in Covington County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 26,941 acres of pastureland and 8,531 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Covington County
About 28% of Covington County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 204 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Covington County
Covington County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, cotton, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Covington County Operations
Based on Covington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency and water conservation practices support intensive peanut production in sandy soils. Forest management and silvopasture systems receive technical assistance for integrated timber 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Covington County: Butler County, Alabama, Coffee County, Alabama, Conecuh County, Alabama, Crenshaw County, Alabama, Escambia County, Alabama, and Geneva County, Alabama. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Covington County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Alabama guide: Alabama Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.