Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dougherty County
Dougherty County lies in the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) region. Elevation averages about 189 feet.
Dougherty County averages 50.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.6°F.
Dougherty County's agricultural base centers on cotton, goats, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 100 farms working 54,565 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,273 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cotton, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 28+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Dougherty County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
125 Pine Ave Ste 150, Albany, GA 31701
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
10893 Dickey St, Morgan, GA 39866
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.
Programs for Dougherty County Operations
Based on Dougherty County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs help farmers adapt to urban proximity through water quality protection and sustainable production practices. Beginning Farmer initiatives support local food production and direct marketing to urban consumers.
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 Dougherty County
Dougherty County shares borders with Baker County, Georgia, Calhoun County, Georgia, Lee County, Georgia, Mitchell County, Georgia, Terrell County, Georgia, and Worth 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 Dougherty 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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