← Mississippi Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Winston County
Winston County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 490 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Winston County sees 57.0 in of rain, a 63.0°F mean annual temperature.
Winston County carries 9,207 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 22,106 acres. 448 farms operate in the county, averaging 199 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Mississippi |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Horses, Goats |
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 Winston County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
779 S Columbus Ave, Louisville, MS 39339
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 Winston County Operations
Based on Winston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs promote silvopasture systems that combine timber management with livestock grazing to maximize land productivity. Conservation practices focus on riparian forest buffers and erosion control on sloped forestland.
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 Winston County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Attala County, Mississippi, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Kemper County, Mississippi, Leake County, Mississippi, Neshoba County, Mississippi, and Noxubee County, Mississippi. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Winston County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Mississippi guide: Mississippi Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.