Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Houston County
Houston County is part of the Southern Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133A). The county's mean elevation is about 318 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Houston County sees 48.1 in of rain, a 64.9°F mean annual temperature.
Houston County carries 5,885 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,348 acres. 302 farms operate in the county, averaging 182 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Goats, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 21+ 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 Houston County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2030 Kings Chapel Road, Perry, GA 31069
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1030 Peach Pkwy, Ste 4, Fort Valley, GA 31030
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 Houston County Operations
Based on Houston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding prioritizes irrigation efficiency and integrated pest management for peach production. Conservation programs focus on protecting water quality in the Ocmulgee 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Houston County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bibb County, Georgia, Bleckley County, Georgia, Crawford County, Georgia, Dooly County, Georgia, Macon County, Georgia, and Peach County, Georgia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Houston 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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