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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stone County
Elevation across Stone County averages about 112 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 65.0 inches per year. January lows average around 39°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 280 farms in Stone County, operating across 36,502 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 130 acres. Top commodities include sheep and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Poultry, Sheep, Horses |
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 Stone County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
230 Pine Ave E, Wiggins, MS 39577
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
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.
Programs for Stone County Operations
Based on Stone County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Longleaf pine restoration and prescribed burning practices maintain forest ecosystem health. Limited agricultural operations focus on small-scale cattle production in forest clearings.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Stone County: Forrest County, Mississippi, George County, Mississippi, Hancock County, Mississippi, Harrison County, Mississippi, Jackson County, Mississippi, and Pearl River County, Mississippi. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stone 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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