Fayette County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

329
Farms & Ranches
61K
Acres in Agriculture
185
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Fayette County, Alabama has 329 farms working 60,797 agricultural acres (average 185 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Cotton. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Alabama Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Fayette County

Elevation across Fayette County averages about 585 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 58.6 inches per year. January lows average around 33°F while July highs reach about 91°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 329 farms in Fayette County, operating across 60,797 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 185 acres. Top commodities include corn, cotton, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans, Vegetables, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Fayette County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

103 1st Avenue- NW, Fayette, AL 35555

(205) 932-8959

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 Fayette County Operations

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

Pasture improvement and livestock water development receive priority EQIP funding. CSP supports grazing management systems that enhance soil health and wildlife habitat.

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 Fayette County: Lamar County, Alabama, Marion County, Alabama, Pickens County, Alabama, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, and Walker County, Alabama. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Fayette 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.78
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Fayette 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.