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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish lies in the Gulf Coast Marsh (MLRA 151) region. Elevation averages about -2 feet.
Jefferson Parish averages 63.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 69.6°F.
Jefferson Parish's agricultural base centers on cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 20 farms working 25,047 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 111 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves |
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 Jefferson Parish.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1041 Rue La Cannes Dr, Luling, LA 70070
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
151 E 3rd St, Edgard, LA 70049
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 Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish reported 111 head of cattle across roughly 148 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a September growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Jefferson Parish.
Farm Structure in Jefferson Parish
Farms average 1,252 acres, with about 18% classed as small operations. Around 58% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle. 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 Jefferson Parish Operations
Based on Jefferson Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on flood protection and drainage improvements for small farming operations. Environmental quality initiatives help protect water resources in this densely populated coastal area.
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 Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish shares borders with Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, and Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. 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 Jefferson Parish
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
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