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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington Parish
Washington Parish is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 258 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Washington Parish sees 65.2 in of rain, a 66.7°F mean annual temperature.
Washington Parish carries 24,406 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 25,864 acres. 815 farms operate in the county, averaging 118 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Washington Parish.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1111 Washington St, Franklinton, LA 70438
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 Washington Parish Operations
Based on Washington Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports forest management practices and pasture improvements for cattle operations on the parish's sandy soils. Beginning Farmer programs assist new operators entering timber and livestock enterprises in this rural parish.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Washington Parish frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, Marion County, Mississippi, Pearl River County, Mississippi, Pike County, Mississippi, and Walthall County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Washington 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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