Sharkey County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

112
Farms & Ranches
177K
Acres in Agriculture
1,581
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Sharkey County, Mississippi has 112 farms working 177,028 agricultural acres (average 1,581 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. 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 Sharkey County

Sharkey County sits within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about 95 feet.

Temperatures in Sharkey County range from a January mean low of 36°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 56.3 inches.

Sharkey County ran 112 farms and 177,028 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central Mississippi Delta
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Corn, Wheat

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Sharkey County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

78 Frontage Rd, Rolling Fork, MS 39159

(662) 873-0004

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 Sharkey County Operations

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

Precision agriculture and GPS-guided equipment maximize efficiency on large delta farms. Wetland restoration projects provide flood control and wildlife habitat in agricultural watersheds.

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 Humphreys County, Mississippi, Issaquena County, Mississippi, Washington County, Mississippi, and Yazoo County, Mississippi. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Sharkey 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Sharkey 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.