Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Telfair County
Telfair County lies in the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) region. Elevation averages about 259 feet.
Telfair County averages 46.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.2°F.
Telfair County's agricultural base centers on cotton, cattle, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 181 farms working 49,177 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 745 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Georgia |
| Top Commodities | Cotton, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). 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 Telfair County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
91 Telfair Ave, Mcrae, GA 31055
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 Telfair County Operations
Based on Telfair County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes precision agriculture and irrigation efficiency on sandy soils prone to nutrient leaching. CREP focuses on Ocmulgee River riparian zone protection and water quality improvement.
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
Counties Bordering Telfair County
Telfair County shares borders with Ben Hill County, Georgia, Coffee County, Georgia, Dodge County, Georgia, Jeff Davis County, Georgia, Wheeler County, Georgia, and Wilcox County, Georgia. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Telfair 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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