Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Monroe County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 366 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Monroe County sees 58.4 in of rain, a 65.6°F mean annual temperature.
Monroe County carries 12,907 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 15,795 acres. 436 farms operate in the county, averaging 369 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
334 Agriculture Dr, Monroeville, AL 36460
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 Monroe County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Monroe County greening up around April and peaking in August. The county carries about 15,795 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Monroe County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Monroe County at an average farm size of 369 acres, 25% small operations, and 30% of producers aged 65 or older. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Monroe County
Monroe County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cotton, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management practices and longleaf pine restoration receive priority EQIP and CRP funding. Silvopasture systems integrate timber and cattle production on suitable forest lands.
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 Monroe County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Baldwin County, Alabama, Butler County, Alabama, Clarke County, Alabama, Conecuh County, Alabama, Escambia County, Alabama, and Wilcox County, Alabama. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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