Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clarke County
Clarke County lies in the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 638 feet.
Clarke County averages 50.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.7°F.
Clarke County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, and honey. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 72 farms working 4,485 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 376 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Vegetables, Honey, Goats |
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 Clarke County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
111 E Spring St, Monroe, GA 30655
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1291 Greensboro Hwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677
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 Clarke County
Clarke County reported 376 head of cattle across roughly 1,158 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May 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 Clarke County.
Farm Structure in Clarke County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Clarke County, roughly 110 acres. Farms average 62 acres, with about 63% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Clarke County
With cattle and goats in the mix in Clarke 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 high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). 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 Clarke County Operations
Based on Clarke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize urban agriculture education and research partnerships with the University of Georgia. Beginning Farmer initiatives support local food production and farmers market 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 Clarke County
Clarke County shares borders with Barrow County, Georgia, Jackson County, Georgia, Madison County, Georgia, Oconee County, Georgia, and Oglethorpe County, Georgia. 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 Clarke 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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