Elmore County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

478
Farms & Ranches
80K
Acres in Agriculture
168
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cotton, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Elmore County, Alabama has 478 farms working 80,066 agricultural acres (average 168 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cotton, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, 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 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

RegionEast Central Alabama
Top CommoditiesCotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Goats, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 26+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

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 Elmore County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

105 Gossom Switch Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092

(334) 567-2264

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 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

  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

0.82
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Elmore 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.