Tate County, Mississippi: USDA programs and conservation funding

503
Farms & Ranches
145K
Acres in Agriculture
288
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$7.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans, Corn, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Tate County, Mississippi has 503 farms working 144,720 agricultural acres (average 288 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $7.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Cattle, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Tate County operations

With 503 farms averaging 288 acres, a grain and cattle commodity base, vegetation peaking near May at 0.83 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Mississippi Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Tate County

Tate County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 275 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Tate County sees 56.5 in of rain, a 62.2°F mean annual temperature.

Tate County carries 20,796 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 34,771 acres. 503 farms operate in the county, averaging 288 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionNorth Mississippi
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Vegetables, Cotton

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08

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 Tate County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

502 N. Robinson Street, Senatobia, MS 38668

(662) 560-9001

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.

Forage and Grazing in Tate County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Tate County greening up around April and peaking in May. The county carries about 34,771 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.

Farm Structure in Tate County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Tate County at an average farm size of 288 acres, 18% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,691 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.

What Tends to Fit in Tate County

Given the operation mix in Tate County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.

Programs for Tate County Operations

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

Terracing and contour farming address erosion control on rolling agricultural land throughout the county. Conservation programs emphasize water quality protection near Arkabutla Lake.

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 Tate County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include DeSoto County, Mississippi, Lafayette County, Mississippi, Marshall County, Mississippi, Panola County, Mississippi, and Tunica County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Tate 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementCRPEQIP Fencing

Vegetation Baseline

0.75
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Tate 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.