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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Leake County
Leake County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 390 feet.
Leake County averages 58.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 63.6°F.
Leake County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cotton, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 481 farms working 85,196 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,303 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Hills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Cotton, Vegetables, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Leake County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
506 Highway 16w, Carthage, MS 39051
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 Leake County
Leake County reported 10,303 head of cattle across roughly 22,861 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June 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 Leake County.
Farm Structure in Leake County
Leake County reports about 208 acres under irrigation. Farms average 177 acres, with about 17% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Leake County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Leake County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Leake County Operations
Based on Leake County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs are emphasized due to proximity to the Ross Barnett Reservoir watershed. Nutrient management plans help farms properly utilize poultry litter while protecting local water sources.
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 Leake County
Leake County shares borders with Attala County, Mississippi, Madison County, Mississippi, Neshoba County, Mississippi, Newton County, Mississippi, Scott County, Mississippi, and Winston 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 Leake 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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