Walker County, Alabama: USDA programs and conservation funding

437
Farms & Ranches
65K
Acres in Agriculture
150
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.1M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Equine, Cut Flowers & Cut Cultivated Greens
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Walker County, Alabama has 437 farms working 65,359 agricultural acres (average 150 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. 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 Walker County

Elevation across Walker County averages about 526 feet. The county falls within the Sand Mountain (MLRA 129) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 57.5 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 91°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 437 farms in Walker County, operating across 65,359 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 150 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Alabama
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Floriculture, Horses, 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 Walker County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

1710 Alabama Ave, Jasper, AL 35501

(205) 387-1879

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

55545 Us Hwy 231 N, Oneonta, AL 35121

(205) 274-2363

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 Walker County Operations

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

EQIP supports reclamation of former mining areas for agricultural use and erosion control on steep terrain. Abandoned mine land restoration programs help establish productive pastures for livestock grazing.

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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Walker County: Blount County, Alabama, Cullman County, Alabama, Fayette County, Alabama, Jefferson County, Alabama, Marion County, Alabama, and Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Walker 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.77
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Walker 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.