Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Elmore County
Elmore County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 315 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Elmore County sees 53.9 in of rain, a 64.3°F mean annual temperature.
Elmore County carries 4,899 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 16,007 acres. 478 farms operate in the county, averaging 168 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Goats, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Elmore County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
105 Gossom Switch Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092
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 Elmore County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Elmore County greening up around April and peaking in June. The county carries about 16,007 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Elmore County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Elmore County at an average farm size of 168 acres, 35% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 2,979 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Elmore County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Elmore County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Elmore County Operations
Based on Elmore County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding supports pasture improvement and livestock water systems. CRP enrollments focus on riparian buffers along the Coosa River watershed.
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 Elmore County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Autauga County, Alabama, Chilton County, Alabama, Coosa County, Alabama, Macon County, Alabama, Montgomery County, Alabama, and Tallapoosa County, Alabama. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Elmore 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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