Georgia Farm Programs: Poultry Litter, Pecans, Cotton & Longleaf Pine

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

Quick Facts

Federal Programs in Georgia

Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state. Each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Georgia. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.

EQIP in Georgia

Georgia EQIP Priorities:

• Water quality (nutrient management from poultry and livestock)
• Grazing management on pasture and hayland
• Soil health on cropland
• Livestock water development
• Longleaf pine ecosystem restoration
• Pollinator and wildlife habitat

Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:

• Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
• Livestock water development (ponds, wells, pipelines)
• Prescribed grazing systems
• Heavy use area protection
• Nutrient management (poultry litter application on pasture)
• Riparian buffers and stream fencing
• Waste management for confined operations

EQIP in Georgia: What to Ask About: Georgia NRCS identifies poultry litter nutrient management as a major EQIP focus, operations that apply poultry litter on pasture can ask about EQIP-funded nutrient management practices. Georgia is also a core state for the Longleaf Pine Initiative (LLPI), which has dedicated EQIP funding for longleaf pine establishment through prescribed burning and stand improvement. For livestock operations in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, NRCS offers EQIP assistance for grazing management, fencing, and water development. Ask your local office about available initiatives.

Georgia EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Georgia NRCS website.

→ Read the full EQIP guide

CSP in Georgia

CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.

→ Read the full CSP guide

FSA Programs in Georgia

Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Georgia.

Key FSA Programs:

• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
• Microloans (up to $50,000, simplified application)
• Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Hurricane, drought, and severe storm losses
• ELAP: covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), triggered by drought monitor conditions

Georgia FSA State Office: (706) 546-2266

Georgia-Specific Programs

Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission

Georgia has 40 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The state commission provides technical assistance and coordinates conservation programs.

Website: gaswcc.georgia.gov

Georgia Forestry Commission

Cost-share programs for prescribed burning, reforestation, and longleaf pine establishment. Relevant for ranches with timber components.

Georgia Tax Provisions for Ag

• Conservation Use Valuation (CUVA): Agricultural land enrolled in CUVA is assessed at 75% of the agricultural use value, significant property tax savings. 10-year covenant with penalties for early withdrawal.
• State Income Tax: Georgia has a progressive income tax (top rate 5.49%). Farm income is subject to state tax.
• Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are exempt from Georgia sales tax when used in commercial agriculture.

RCPP in Georgia

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.

ACEP in Georgia

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.

Resources

USDA Offices

• Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

State Resources

• UGA Cooperative Extension: extension.uga.edu
• Georgia Cattlemen's Association: georgiacattlemen.org
• Georgia Farm Bureau: gfb.org

Key Deadlines (FY2026)

Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.

Your Next Steps in Georgia

1. Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
2. Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
3. Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
4. Poultry litter management is a major EQIP focus, if you apply litter on pasture, nutrient management plans are a priority
5. Conservation Use Valuation is critical for property tax savings, make sure your enrollment is current

Tools for Georgia Ranchers

Run the numbers before your next USDA visit. Each tool takes 2–3 minutes.

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