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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Forrest County
Forrest County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 321 feet.
Forrest County averages 62.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.1°F.
Forrest County's agricultural base centers on cattle, honey, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 302 farms working 30,551 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,344 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Honey, Vegetables, Horses |
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 Forrest County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
191 Wsf Tatum Blvd, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
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 Forrest County Operations
Based on Forrest County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports sustainable forestry practices and urban agriculture initiatives. CSP promotes forest carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat conservation practices.
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 Forrest County
Forrest County shares borders with Covington County, Mississippi, Jones County, Mississippi, Lamar County, Mississippi, Pearl River County, Mississippi, Perry County, Mississippi, and Stone 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 Forrest 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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