Bolivar County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

394
Farms & Ranches
455K
Acres in Agriculture
1,154
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$886K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Bolivar County, Mississippi has 394 farms working 454,619 agricultural acres (average 1,154 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Rice. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Mississippi Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Bolivar County

Bolivar County sits within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 138 feet.

Temperatures in Bolivar County range from a January mean low of 34°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 54.8 inches.

Bolivar County ran 394 farms, 454,619 acres of farmland, and 2,375 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, rice, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionMississippi Delta
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Rice, Corn, Cotton, Wheat, Cattle & calves

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Bolivar County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

123 South Court Street, Cleveland, MS 38732

(662) 846-1448

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 Bolivar County Operations

Based on Bolivar County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

EQIP supports precision agriculture technology and drainage system improvements. CSP promotes cover crops and nutrient management in intensive row crop systems.

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 Chicot County, Arkansas, Desha County, Arkansas, Phillips County, Arkansas, Coahoma County, Mississippi, Sunflower County, Mississippi, and Washington County, Mississippi. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Bolivar County

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

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

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.26
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Bolivar 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.