Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pierce County
Pierce County is part of the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods land resource region (MLRA 153A). The county's mean elevation is about 131 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pierce County sees 48.6 in of rain, a 67.3°F mean annual temperature.
Pierce County carries 580 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,286 acres. 345 farms operate in the county, averaging 248 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cotton, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Tobacco |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Pierce County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
705 College Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516
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 Pierce County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Pierce County greening up around July and peaking in August. The county carries about 2,286 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pierce County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Pierce County at an average farm size of 248 acres, 29% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 10,340 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Pierce County
Given the operation mix in Pierce County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Pierce County Operations
Based on Pierce County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management programs promote sustainable timber harvesting and wildlife habitat. Riparian protection along the Satilla River maintains water quality and natural ecosystems.
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 Pierce County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Appling County, Georgia, Bacon County, Georgia, Brantley County, Georgia, Ware County, Georgia, and Wayne County, Georgia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pierce 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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