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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kemper County
Kemper County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 337 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Kemper County sees 54.9 in of rain, a 63.7°F mean annual temperature.
Kemper County carries 7,532 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 29,063 acres. 376 farms operate in the county, averaging 366 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Hills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Vegetables, Sheep, Horses, Hogs, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Kemper County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
197 Hopper Ave, De Kalb, MS 39328
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 Kemper County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Kemper County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 29,063 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Kemper County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Kemper County at an average farm size of 366 acres, 17% small operations, 31% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 6 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Kemper County
Kemper County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were sheep, equine, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Kemper County Operations
Based on Kemper County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Pasture improvement and water system development are primary focuses for the county's cattle operations. Conservation programs address soil erosion on sloping fields and promote rotational grazing systems.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Kemper County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Sumter County, Alabama, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Neshoba County, Mississippi, Newton County, Mississippi, Noxubee County, Mississippi, and Winston County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Kemper 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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