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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Covington County
Covington County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 286 feet.
Covington County averages 59.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 65.3°F.
Covington County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and cotton. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 422 farms working 71,060 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 30,947 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Cotton, Horses, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Covington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3193 Highway 49, Collins, MS 39428
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.
Forage and Grazing in Covington County
Covington County reported 30,947 head of cattle across roughly 31,466 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Covington County.
Farm Structure in Covington County
Covington County reports about 69 acres under irrigation. Farms average 168 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 18% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Covington County
Covington County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Covington County Operations
Based on Covington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP prioritizes longleaf pine ecosystem restoration and prescribed fire management. CSP supports forest wildlife habitat enhancement and stream corridor 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
Counties Bordering Covington County
Covington County shares borders with Forrest County, Mississippi, Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, Jones County, Mississippi, Lamar County, Mississippi, Simpson County, Mississippi, and Smith County, Mississippi. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Covington 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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