Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montgomery County
Elevation across Montgomery County averages about 279 feet. The county falls within the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 46.8 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 93°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 152 farms in Montgomery County, operating across 56,537 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 372 acres. Top commodities include cotton, cattle, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cotton, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Berries, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Montgomery County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
305 West Spring Street, Mt Vernon, GA 30445
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
874 NW Broad Street, Lyons, GA 30436
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 Montgomery County
The forage year in Montgomery County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 5,837 acres of pastureland and 774 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Montgomery County
About 18% of Montgomery County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 17% of farms are small and 11% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 372 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Montgomery County
Given the operation mix in Montgomery County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Montgomery County Operations
Based on Montgomery County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forestry practices and wildlife habitat enhancement are primary conservation focuses. Riparian buffer programs protect water quality along the Oconee River corridor.
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 Montgomery County: Jeff Davis County, Georgia, Toombs County, Georgia, Treutlen County, Georgia, and Wheeler County, Georgia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Montgomery 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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