Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Paulding County
Elevation across Paulding County averages about 958 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 51.5 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 220 farms in Paulding County, operating across 17,175 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 78 acres. Top commodities include sheep, goats, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Berries, Sheep, Goats, 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 Paulding County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
678 S Cobb Dr SE Ste 150, Marietta, GA 30060
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
408 N White St, Carrollton, GA 30117
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 Paulding County
The forage year in Paulding County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,670 acres of pastureland and 813 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Paulding County
About 26% of Paulding County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 42% of farms are small and 1% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 78 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Paulding County
Paulding County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, sheep, and goats. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Paulding County Operations
Based on Paulding County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support preservation of remaining agricultural land amid suburban pressure. Beginning farmer initiatives help establish new agricultural enterprises in the changing landscape.
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 Paulding County: Bartow County, Georgia, Carroll County, Georgia, Cobb County, Georgia, Douglas County, Georgia, Haralson County, Georgia, and Polk County, Georgia. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Paulding 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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