Morgan County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,102
Farms & Ranches
140K
Acres in Agriculture
127
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$9.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans, Corn, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Morgan County, Alabama has 1,102 farms working 140,181 agricultural acres (average 127 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $9.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Morgan County

Morgan County is part of the Sand Mountain land resource region (MLRA 129). The county's mean elevation is about 694 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Morgan County sees 56.3 in of rain, a 60.9°F mean annual temperature.

Morgan County carries 27,445 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 39,972 acres. 1,102 farms operate in the county, averaging 127 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Morgan County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

3120 Hwy 36 West, Hartselle, AL 35640

(256) 773-6541

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 Morgan County Operations

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

EQIP focuses on poultry waste management systems and nutrient management planning for intensive livestock operations. CRP enrollments protect sensitive areas along the Tennessee River from agricultural runoff.

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 Morgan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cullman County, Alabama, Lawrence County, Alabama, Limestone County, Alabama, Madison County, Alabama, and Marshall County, Alabama. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Morgan 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 FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.72
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.86
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Morgan 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.