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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pearl River County
Pearl River County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 194 feet.
Pearl River County averages 64.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 66.7°F.
Pearl River County's agricultural base centers on cattle, sod, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 665 farms working 104,384 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 8,548 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Dairy, Vegetables, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Pearl River County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
310 Highway 26 E Suite B, Poplarville, MS 39470
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 Pearl River County
Pearl River County reported 8,548 head of cattle across roughly 29,555 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 Pearl River County.
Farm Structure in Pearl River County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Pearl River County, roughly 1,043 acres. Farms average 157 acres, with about 32% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pearl River County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Pearl River County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Pearl River County Operations
Based on Pearl River County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management practices emphasize sustainable timber harvesting and reforestation programs. Livestock operations receive support for pasture improvement and 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
Counties Bordering Pearl River County
Pearl River County shares borders with St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Washington Parish, Louisiana, Forrest County, Mississippi, Hancock County, Mississippi, Harrison County, Mississippi, and Lamar 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 Pearl River 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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