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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pontotoc County
Pontotoc County is part of the Alabama and Mississippi Blackland Prairie land resource region (MLRA 135A). The county's mean elevation is about 423 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pontotoc County sees 58.0 in of rain, a 61.9°F mean annual temperature.
Pontotoc County carries 6,878 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 19,823 acres. 647 farms operate in the county, averaging 220 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cotton, Cattle & calves, Corn, 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 Pontotoc County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
190 Highway 15 S, Pontotoc, MS 38863
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 Pontotoc County Operations
Based on Pontotoc County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Contour farming and grass waterways address erosion control on rolling agricultural land. Poultry operations receive support for environmental improvements and waste management 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Pontotoc County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Calhoun County, Mississippi, Chickasaw County, Mississippi, Lafayette County, Mississippi, Lee County, Mississippi, and Union County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Pontotoc 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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