Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Russell County
Russell County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 359 feet.
Russell County averages 51.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 64.8°F.
Russell County's agricultural base centers on sod, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 266 farms working 112,214 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,317 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Alabama |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Berries, Horses |
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 Russell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1001 25th Ave, Phenix City, AL 36869
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 Russell County
Russell County reported 12,317 head of cattle across roughly 18,457 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July 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 Russell County.
Farm Structure in Russell County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Russell County, roughly 1,354 acres. Farms average 422 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 28% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Russell County
Given the operation mix in Russell 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 Russell County Operations
Based on Russell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs promote cover crops and reduced tillage in peanut production systems to protect soil health. Riparian buffers along the Chattahoochee River receive priority funding through CRP initiatives.
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 Russell County
Russell County shares borders with Barbour County, Alabama, Bullock County, Alabama, Lee County, Alabama, Macon County, Alabama, Chattahoochee County, Georgia, and Muscogee 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 Russell 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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