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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Marshall County
Marshall County lies in the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) region. Elevation averages about 544 feet.
Marshall County averages 57.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.5°F.
Marshall County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 498 farms working 189,255 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,863 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Hills |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Cotton, Vegetables, Horses |
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 Marshall County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
250 Whaley Dr, Holly Springs, MS 38635
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 Marshall County Operations
Based on Marshall County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs focus on the Sardis Lake watershed with emphasis on nutrient management and erosion control. Wildlife habitat improvement programs support hunting lease income for many agricultural operations.
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 Marshall County
Marshall County shares borders with Benton County, Mississippi, DeSoto County, Mississippi, Lafayette County, Mississippi, Tate County, Mississippi, Union County, Mississippi, and Fayette County, Tennessee. 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 Marshall 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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