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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hancock County
Elevation across Hancock County averages about 20 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Gulf Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 152A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 64.8 inches per year. January lows average around 41°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 248 farms in Hancock County, operating across 23,946 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 97 acres. Top commodities include goats, goats, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Gulf Coast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Vegetables, Berries, Goats, Horses, Honey |
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 Hancock County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
310 Highway 26 E Suite B, Poplarville, MS 39470
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 Hancock County Operations
Based on Hancock County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports coastal conservation practices and hurricane recovery efforts. CRP focuses on wetland restoration and coastal erosion control measures.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Hancock County: St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Harrison County, Mississippi, Pearl River County, Mississippi, and Stone County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hancock 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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