George County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

472
Farms & Ranches
67K
Acres in Agriculture
142
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.5M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Cotton, Grain, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

George County, Mississippi has 472 farms working 66,898 agricultural acres (average 142 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Cotton. 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 George County

George County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 178 feet.

George County averages 64.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.6°F.

George County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cotton, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 472 farms working 66,898 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 4,218 head.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheast Mississippi
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Vegetables, Cotton, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 7+ 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 George County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

111 Ventura Dr, Lucedale, MS 39452

(601) 766-3962

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 George County Operations

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

EQIP supports sustainable forest management and longleaf pine restoration projects. CSP promotes prescribed burning and wildlife habitat enhancement in working forests.

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 George County

George County shares borders with Mobile County, Alabama, Greene County, Mississippi, Jackson 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 George 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.

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.75
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for George 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.