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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clarke County
Elevation across Clarke County averages about 302 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 58.0 inches per year. January lows average around 36°F while July highs reach about 92°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 279 farms in Clarke County, operating across 59,638 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 214 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats |
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 Clarke County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
109 E Donald St, Suite 1, Quitman, MS 39355
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 Clarke County Operations
Based on Clarke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports longleaf pine restoration and prescribed burning practices. CSP incentivizes forest management for wildlife habitat and water quality protection.
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 Clarke County: Choctaw County, Alabama, Jasper County, Mississippi, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Newton County, Mississippi, and Wayne County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clarke 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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