Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Putnam County sits within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 509 feet.
Temperatures in Putnam County range from a January mean low of 33°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.7 inches.
Putnam County ran 161 farms, 41,183 acres of farmland, and 4,603 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 9+ 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 Putnam County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
130 Sparta Hwy, Eatonton, GA 31024
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs focus on the Oconee River watershed and Lake Sinclair. Pasture renovation and livestock facility improvements are common conservation practices.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Baldwin County, Georgia, Greene County, Georgia, Hancock County, Georgia, Jasper County, Georgia, Jones County, Georgia, and Morgan County, Georgia. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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