Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
Franklin County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 841 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Franklin County sees 59.5 in of rain, a 60.5°F mean annual temperature.
Franklin County carries 11,411 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 40,330 acres. 747 farms operate in the county, averaging 172 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Sheep, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Franklin County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
13150 Highway 43, Russellville, AL 35653
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1700 Neil Morris Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation system installation receives EQIP support for Tennessee River valley operations. Conservation tillage practices help protect soil resources on sloping upland fields.
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 Franklin County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Colbert County, Alabama, Lawrence County, Alabama, Marion County, Alabama, Winston County, Alabama, Itawamba County, Mississippi, and Tishomingo County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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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