Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Towns County
Elevation across Towns County averages about 2,690 feet. The county falls within the Southern Blue Ridge (MLRA 130B) land resource region.
The growing season in Towns County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 65.2 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 103 farms in Towns County, operating across 5,774 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 56 acres. Top commodities include cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Georgia Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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 Towns County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
165 Wellborn St, Blairsville, GA 30512
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 Towns County Operations
Based on Towns County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP prioritizes erosion control and pasture management on steep mountain terrain. Beginning farmer programs support new operators interested in sustainable mountain agriculture and agritourism.
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 Towns County: Habersham County, Georgia, Rabun County, Georgia, Union County, Georgia, White County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Towns County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Georgia guide: Georgia Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.