Neshoba County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

522
Farms & Ranches
90K
Acres in Agriculture
172
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$6.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Goats, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Neshoba County, Mississippi has 522 farms working 89,971 agricultural acres (average 172 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $6.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Neshoba County

Neshoba County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 404 feet.

Temperatures in Neshoba County range from a January mean low of 34°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 57.6 inches.

Neshoba County ran 522 farms, 89,971 acres of farmland, and 8,796 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and goats.


Quick Facts

RegionEast Central Hills
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Cattle & calves, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Goats

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 Neshoba County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

511 E Lawn Dr, Philadelphia, MS 39350

(601) 656-8783

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 Neshoba County Operations

Based on Neshoba County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Forest management programs help landowners balance timber production with agricultural and wildlife habitat goals. Water system development supports livestock operations in areas with limited surface water availability.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Attala County, Mississippi, Kemper County, Mississippi, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Leake County, Mississippi, Newton County, Mississippi, and Winston County, Mississippi. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Neshoba County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Mississippi guide: Mississippi Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.82
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.85
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Neshoba County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.