Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Decatur County
Elevation across Decatur County averages about 115 feet. The county falls within the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.5 inches per year. January lows average around 39°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 326 farms in Decatur County, operating across 180,755 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 554 acres. Top commodities include cotton, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cotton, Corn, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Wheat |
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 Decatur County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 Ag Lane, Box A, Bainbridge, GA 39817
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 Decatur County
The forage year in Decatur County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 7,135 acres of pastureland and 4,388 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Decatur County
About 27% of Decatur County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 12% of farms are small and 12% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 554 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Decatur County
With corn and grain in the mix in Decatur County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are 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 Decatur County Operations
Based on Decatur County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs prioritize irrigation water conservation and precision nutrient management for high-intensity crop production. CSP supports comprehensive conservation systems that maintain productivity while protecting the Flint River watershed.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Decatur County: Gadsden County, Florida, Baker County, Georgia, Grady County, Georgia, Miller County, Georgia, Mitchell County, Georgia, and Seminole County, Georgia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Decatur 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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