Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Charlton County
Charlton County is part of the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods land resource region (MLRA 153A). The county's mean elevation is about 124 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Charlton County sees 50.4 in of rain, a 68.2°F mean annual temperature.
Charlton County carries 605 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,874 acres. 85 farms operate in the county, averaging 228 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Honey, Cattle & calves, Berries, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Charlton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 College Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516
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 Charlton County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Charlton County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 1,874 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Charlton County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Charlton County at an average farm size of 228 acres, 23% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 16 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Charlton County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Charlton County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and pollinator habitat plantings (apiaries). 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 Charlton County Operations
Based on Charlton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland conservation programs protect sensitive Okefenokee ecosystem while supporting compatible agricultural and forestry uses. Livestock assistance addresses unique challenges of grazing in areas with high water tables and periodic flooding.
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 Charlton County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Baker County, Florida, Nassau County, Florida, Brantley County, Georgia, Camden County, Georgia, and Ware County, Georgia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Charlton County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Georgia guide: Georgia Farm Programs Guide
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