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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Smith County
Smith County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 395 feet.
Temperatures in Smith County range from a January mean low of 36°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 59.0 inches.
Smith County ran 487 farms, 83,160 acres of farmland, and 15,613 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, honey, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Honey, Horses, Berries |
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 Smith County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
227 Magnolia Dr, Raleigh, MS 39153
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
20 E 8th Ave, Bay Springs, MS 39422
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 Smith County Operations
Based on Smith County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management programs promote sustainable timber harvesting and reforestation practices. Livestock producers utilize rotational grazing and improved pasture management techniques.
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 Covington County, Mississippi, Jasper County, Mississippi, Jones County, Mississippi, Newton County, Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi, and Scott County, Mississippi. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Smith 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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