Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dale County
Dale County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 260 feet.
Dale County averages 56.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.0°F.
Dale County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cotton, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 421 farms working 118,588 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,419 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast 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 Dale County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1177 Andrews Ave Ste B, Ozark, AL 36360
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 Dale County
Dale County reported 3,419 head of cattle across roughly 15,213 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 Dale County.
Farm Structure in Dale County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Dale County, roughly 1,021 acres. Farms average 282 acres, with about 22% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Dale County
Given the operation mix in Dale 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 Dale County Operations
Based on Dale County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation water management and soil conservation practices support intensive peanut and cotton production. Cover crop programs and integrated pest management receive cost-share assistance for sustainable farming 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
Counties Bordering Dale County
Dale County shares borders with Barbour County, Alabama, Coffee County, Alabama, Geneva County, Alabama, Henry County, Alabama, Houston County, Alabama, and Pike 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 Dale 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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