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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madison Parish
Elevation across Madison Parish averages about 78 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 56.8 inches per year. January lows average around 37°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 226 farms in Madison Parish, operating across 235,249 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,041 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Rice, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
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 Madison Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1900 Crothers Dr, Tallulah, LA 71282
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 Madison Parish
The forage year in Madison Parish runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,677 acres of pastureland and 265 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Madison Parish
About 30% of Madison Parish producers are 65 or older. Roughly 7% of farms are small and 25% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 1,041 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Madison Parish
Madison Parish's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Madison Parish Operations
Based on Madison Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency programs help optimize water use from Mississippi River sources. Conservation tillage practices reduce soil erosion while maintaining high productivity on these valuable delta soils.
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 Madison Parish: East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, Franklin Parish, Louisiana, Richland Parish, Louisiana, Tensas Parish, Louisiana, and Warren County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Madison 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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