Henry County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

408
Farms & Ranches
158K
Acres in Agriculture
387
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cotton, Cattle, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Henry County, Alabama has 408 farms working 157,925 agricultural acres (average 387 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cotton, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Henry County operations

With 408 farms averaging 387 acres, a cotton and cattle commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jun at 0.89 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Alabama Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Henry County

Henry County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 278 feet.

Henry County averages 54.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.1°F.

Henry County's agricultural base centers on cotton, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 408 farms working 157,925 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,156 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cotton, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey

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 Henry County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

810 Columbia Rd, Abbeville, AL 36310

(334) 585-2284

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 Henry County

Henry County reported 3,156 head of cattle across roughly 15,305 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 Henry County.


Farm Structure in Henry County

Irrigation covers about 6% of farmland in Henry County, roughly 9,639 acres. Farms average 387 acres, with about 15% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.


What Tends to Fit in Henry County

Henry County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cotton, cattle, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.


Programs for Henry County Operations

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

Irrigation efficiency improvements receive EQIP funding for peanut and cotton producers. Conservation crop rotation systems help manage pest pressure and improve soil health across the county.

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 Henry County

Henry County shares borders with Barbour County, Alabama, Dale County, Alabama, Houston County, Alabama, Clay County, Georgia, and Early County, Georgia. 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 Henry 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 DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementCRPEQIP Fencing

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 Henry 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.