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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benton County
Elevation across Benton County averages about 499 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 57.2 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 261 farms in Benton County, operating across 93,844 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 360 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Corn, Wheat, Horses, Vegetables |
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 Benton County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
16068 Boundary Dr, Ashland, MS 38603
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
733 S Line St, Ripley, MS 38663
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 Benton County Operations
Based on Benton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes erosion control and pasture establishment on steep slopes. CRP targets highly erodible hillsides for conversion to permanent grass cover.
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 Benton County: Marshall County, Mississippi, Tippah County, Mississippi, Union County, Mississippi, Fayette County, Tennessee, and Hardeman County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Benton 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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