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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About DeSoto County
DeSoto County sits within the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) region. Elevation averages about 303 feet.
Temperatures in DeSoto County range from a January mean low of 32°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 55.9 inches.
DeSoto County ran 372 farms, 135,985 acres of farmland, and 4,052 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, cotton, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Hay, Corn, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 6+ 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 DeSoto County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
3260 Highway 51 S, Hernando, MS 38632
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
502 N. Robinson Street, Senatobia, MS 38668
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 DeSoto County Operations
Based on DeSoto County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP addresses urban edge farming challenges and nutrient management near developments. Programs focus on preserving remaining agricultural land 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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Crittenden County, Arkansas, Marshall County, Mississippi, Tate County, Mississippi, Tunica County, Mississippi, and Shelby County, Tennessee. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in DeSoto 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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