Copiah County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

444
Farms & Ranches
104K
Acres in Agriculture
234
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Grain, Soybeans, Equine, Tomatoes
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Copiah County, Mississippi has 444 farms working 103,863 agricultural acres (average 234 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Grain, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Copiah County

Copiah County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 332 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Copiah County sees 58.9 in of rain, a 65.3°F mean annual temperature.

Copiah County carries 16,094 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 27,642 acres. 444 farms operate in the county, averaging 234 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Mississippi
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Berries

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Copiah County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

27169 Highway 28, Hazlehurst, MS 39083

(601) 894-1118

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 Copiah County Operations

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

EQIP supports specialty crop production systems and livestock facility improvements. CSP promotes soil health practices and integrated pest management in vegetable operations.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Copiah County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Claiborne County, Mississippi, Hinds County, Mississippi, Jefferson County, Mississippi, Lawrence County, Mississippi, Lincoln County, Mississippi, and Rankin County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Copiah 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.82
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.88
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Copiah 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.