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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Amite County
Elevation across Amite County averages about 374 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 62.7 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 407 farms in Amite County, operating across 80,958 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 199 acres. Top commodities include cattle, deer, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Deer, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Amite County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
100 Roberts Rd, Liberty, MS 39645
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 Amite County
The forage year in Amite County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 23,143 acres of pastureland and 10,021 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Amite County
About 32% of Amite County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 199 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Amite County
Amite County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, deer, and goats. 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 Amite County Operations
Based on Amite County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports forest stand improvement and livestock water systems. CRP focuses on riparian buffers along creek systems and pine plantation establishment.
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 Amite County: East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, Franklin County, Mississippi, Lincoln County, Mississippi, and Pike County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Amite County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Mississippi guide: Mississippi Farm Programs Guide
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