Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lowndes County
Lowndes County lies in the Alabama and Mississippi Blackland Prairie (MLRA 135A) region. Elevation averages about 220 feet.
Lowndes County averages 53.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 65.1°F.
Lowndes County's agricultural base centers on cattle, sod, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 421 farms working 201,912 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 28,673 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Lowndes County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
105 Samuel O Moseley Dr Ste A, Selma, AL 36701
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 Lowndes County
Lowndes County reported 28,673 head of cattle across roughly 89,445 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 Lowndes County.
Farm Structure in Lowndes County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Lowndes County, roughly 4,053 acres. Farms average 480 acres, with about 16% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Lowndes County
Given the operation mix in Lowndes County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Lowndes County Operations
Based on Lowndes County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Cover crop systems and soil health practices receive CSP support on cotton operations. Beginning farmer programs target underserved producers in this historically significant agricultural region.
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 Lowndes County
Lowndes County shares borders with Autauga County, Alabama, Butler County, Alabama, Crenshaw County, Alabama, Dallas County, Alabama, Montgomery County, Alabama, and Wilcox County, Alabama. 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 Lowndes 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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