Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Monroe County is part of the Southern Piedmont land resource region (MLRA 136). The county's mean elevation is about 645 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Monroe County sees 47.5 in of rain, a 63.2°F mean annual temperature.
Monroe County carries 2,333 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 11,453 acres. 198 farms operate in the county, averaging 252 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
231 Highway 41 N, Barnesville, GA 30204
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 Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Pasture improvement and livestock water systems are priority conservation practices. Floodplain management programs protect river bottom farmland while maintaining agricultural productivity.
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 Monroe County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bibb County, Georgia, Butts County, Georgia, Crawford County, Georgia, Jasper County, Georgia, Jones County, Georgia, and Lamar County, Georgia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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