Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chatham County
Chatham County lies in the Tidewater Area (MLRA 153B) region. Elevation averages about 18 feet.
Chatham County averages 48.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 67.2°F.
Chatham County's agricultural base centers on equine, equine, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 41 farms working 7,742 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 254 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Horses, Cattle & calves, Honey, Berries |
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 Chatham County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
185 Richard R Davis Dr, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
216 Mims Rd, Sylvania, GA 30467
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 Chatham County
Chatham County reported 254 head of cattle across roughly 743 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a November 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 Chatham County.
Farm Structure in Chatham County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Chatham County, roughly 121 acres. Farms average 189 acres, with about 52% classed as small operations. Around 18% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Chatham County
Given the operation mix in Chatham County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; pollinator habitat plantings for apiaries; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Chatham County Operations
Based on Chatham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture programs support community gardens and small-scale farming operations serving Savannah metropolitan markets. Coastal adaptation assistance helps remaining farmers address saltwater intrusion and storm impacts on agricultural operations.
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 Chatham County
Chatham County shares borders with Bryan County, Georgia, Effingham County, Georgia, Liberty County, Georgia, and Jasper County, South Carolina. 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 Chatham 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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