Lafourche County, Louisiana: USDA programs and conservation funding

339
Farms & Ranches
186K
Acres in Agriculture
547
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Goats, Hogs, Goats
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lafourche County, Louisiana has 339 farms working 185,571 agricultural acres (average 547 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Goats. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Louisiana Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish sits within the Gulf Coast Marsh (MLRA 151) region. Elevation averages about -2 feet.

Temperatures in Lafourche Parish range from a January mean low of 46°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 63.2 inches.

Lafourche Parish ran 339 farms, 185,571 acres of farmland, and 6,638 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, goats, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Louisiana
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry, Goats, Hogs, Sheep

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Lafourche Parish.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

143 Laura Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301

(985) 446-6293

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 Lafourche Parish Operations

Based on Lafourche Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Drainage and flood protection programs are critical for maintaining agricultural productivity. Hurricane recovery assistance frequently needed due to coastal storm exposure.

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 Assumption Parish, Louisiana, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, St. James Parish, Louisiana, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, and Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Lafourche Parish

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Vegetation Baseline

0.04
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.19
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lafourche County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.