Talladega County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

522
Farms & Ranches
99K
Acres in Agriculture
189
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cotton, Grain, Corn, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Talladega County, Alabama has 522 farms working 98,806 agricultural acres (average 189 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cotton, Grain, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Alabama Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Talladega County

Talladega County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128). The county's mean elevation is about 596 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Talladega County sees 55.3 in of rain, a 62.4°F mean annual temperature.

Talladega County carries 13,963 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 24,454 acres. 522 farms operate in the county, averaging 189 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Talladega County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

5 Bemiston Avenue, Talladega, AL 35160

(256) 362-8210

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 Talladega County Operations

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

Programs emphasize forest management and prescribed burning to maintain productive grazing areas. EQIP supports stream crossing improvements and livestock watering systems in the mountainous terrain.

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 Talladega County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Calhoun County, Alabama, Clay County, Alabama, Cleburne County, Alabama, Coosa County, Alabama, St. Clair County, Alabama, and Shelby County, Alabama. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Talladega 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 FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.75
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.86
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Talladega 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.