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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Union County lies in the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 406 feet.
Union County averages 57.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.5°F.
Union County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, cattle, and tomatoes. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 525 farms working 129,221 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,278 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Honey, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1510 Munsford Dr Ste A, New Albany, MS 38652
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 Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation tillage and cover crop practices improve soil health in row crop production systems. Beginning farmer programs support new agricultural enterprises and sustainable farming methods.
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
Counties Bordering Union County
Union County shares borders with Benton County, Mississippi, Lafayette County, Mississippi, Lee County, Mississippi, Marshall County, Mississippi, Pontotoc County, Mississippi, and Prentiss County, Mississippi. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Union 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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