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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lowndes County
Lowndes County is part of the Alabama and Mississippi Blackland Prairie land resource region (MLRA 135A). The county's mean elevation is about 159 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lowndes County sees 56.1 in of rain, a 63.3°F mean annual temperature.
Lowndes County carries 7,468 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 19,667 acres. 333 farms operate in the county, averaging 318 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Hills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cotton, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables |
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 Lowndes County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2282 Martin Luther King Dr, Columbus, MS 39705
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 Lowndes County Operations
Based on Lowndes County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health programs promote cover crops and conservation tillage to maintain the productivity of the county's fertile soils. Integrated farming system support helps operations efficiently combine crop and livestock enterprises.
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 Lowndes County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Lamar County, Alabama, Pickens County, Alabama, Clay County, Mississippi, Monroe County, Mississippi, Noxubee County, Mississippi, and Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lowndes 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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