Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lafayette County
Lafayette County lies in the Eastern Gulf Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 152A) region. Elevation averages about 74 feet.
Lafayette County averages 55.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 68.5°F.
Lafayette County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and cotton. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 250 farms working 105,429 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,448 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Florida |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 36+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Lafayette County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1525 Ohio Ave, S., Live Oak, FL 32064
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 Lafayette County
Lafayette County reported 6,448 head of cattle across roughly 26,364 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows July 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 Lafayette County.
Farm Structure in Lafayette County
Irrigation covers about 17% of farmland in Lafayette County, roughly 18,258 acres. Farms average 422 acres, with about 29% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Lafayette County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Lafayette County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Lafayette County Operations
Based on Lafayette County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Livestock Forage Program provides assistance for cattle producers dealing with drought and flood impacts from Suwannee River fluctuations. Conservation programs focus on riparian buffer establishment and pasture improvement practices.
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 Lafayette County
Lafayette County shares borders with Dixie County, Florida, Gilchrist County, Florida, Madison County, Florida, Suwannee County, Florida, and Taylor County, Florida. 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 Lafayette County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide
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