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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
| Region | Southeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Cotton, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 George County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
111 Ventura Dr, Lucedale, MS 39452
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 George County
George County reported 4,218 head of cattle across roughly 14,044 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July 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 George County.
Farm Structure in George County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in George County, roughly 473 acres. Farms average 142 acres, with about 34% classed as small operations. Around 28% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in George County
Given the operation mix in George County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
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
- 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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