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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Perry County
Perry County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 214 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Perry County sees 63.0 in of rain, a 66.1°F mean annual temperature.
Perry County carries 3,519 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 8,349 acres. 278 farms operate in the county, averaging 159 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Goats, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Perry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
191 Wsf Tatum Blvd, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
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 Perry County Operations
Based on Perry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support longleaf pine restoration and prescribed burning practices. Livestock producers utilize EQIP for fencing and water system improvements in forested grazing areas.
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 Perry County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Forrest County, Mississippi, George County, Mississippi, Greene County, Mississippi, Jones County, Mississippi, Stone County, Mississippi, and Wayne County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Perry 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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