Choctaw County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

200
Farms & Ranches
41K
Acres in Agriculture
204
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Choctaw County, Mississippi has 200 farms working 40,712 agricultural acres (average 204 acres per farm). Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Choctaw County

Choctaw County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 551 feet.

Temperatures in Choctaw County range from a January mean low of 33°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 57.8 inches.

Choctaw County ran 200 farms, 40,712 acres of farmland, and 1,584 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Mississippi
Top CommoditiesVegetables, Poultry

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Choctaw County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

571 S Louisville St, Ackerman, MS 39735

(662) 285-6250

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

510 Highway 25 North, Starkville, MS 39759

(662) 320-4009

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 Choctaw County Operations

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

EQIP prioritizes forest stand improvement and livestock water development. CRP targets steep slopes and riparian areas for permanent conservation 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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Attala County, Mississippi, Montgomery County, Mississippi, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, Webster County, Mississippi, and Winston County, Mississippi. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Choctaw 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.70
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Choctaw 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.