North Carolina Farm Programs: Hog & Poultry Waste, Tobacco & Sweet Potato
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Quick Facts
| Farms & Ranches | ~46,400 (2022 USDA Census) |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, poultry, tobacco, sweet potatoes, cattle & calves, cotton, corn, soybeans |
| Total Ag Land | ~8.4 million acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~181 acres |
| EQIP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area, contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| CSP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area, contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| State NRCS Office | (919) 873-2103 · Raleigh, NC |
Federal Programs in North Carolina
Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state. Each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in North Carolina. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.
EQIP in North Carolina
North Carolina EQIP Priorities:
- Water quality (nutrient management, hog and poultry operations)
- Grazing management
- Soil health on cropland
- Livestock waste management
- Wildlife habitat
- Erosion control
Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:
- Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
- Livestock water development
- Prescribed grazing systems
- Waste management systems (hog and poultry)
- Heavy use area protection
- Riparian buffers
- Nutrient management
EQIP in North Carolina: What to Ask About: North Carolina NRCS identifies nutrient management from animal operations as a top EQIP priority, with significant funding directed toward waste management and water quality practices for hog and poultry operations. In the mountain region, NRCS offers EQIP funding for grazing management and livestock water development. Ask your local office about the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) and other available initiatives in your area.
North Carolina EQIP payment schedules: Available on the North Carolina NRCS website.
CSP in North Carolina
CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.
FSA Programs in North Carolina
Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in North Carolina.
Key FSA Programs:
- Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
- Microloans (up to $50,000, simplified application)
- Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Hurricane (major, NC is highly vulnerable), flooding, drought
- ELAP: covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), triggered by drought monitor conditions
North Carolina FSA State Office: (919) 875-4800
North Carolina-Specific Programs
North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation
NC has 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The state provides cost-share through the Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP), one of the oldest state conservation cost-share programs in the country.
Website: ncagr.gov/SWC
NC Cattlemen's Association
Website: nccattle.com
North Carolina Tax Provisions for Ag
- Present Use Value: Agricultural land is assessed at its present use value for property taxes, significant savings near growing urban areas.
- State Income Tax: Flat rate of 4.5%. Farm income is subject to state tax.
- Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are generally exempt from NC sales tax.
RCPP in North Carolina
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.
ACEP in North Carolina
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.
Resources
USDA Offices
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
State Resources
- NC State Extension: extension.ncsu.edu
- NC Cattlemen's Association: nccattle.com
- NC Farm Bureau: ncfb.org
Key Deadlines (FY2026)
Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.
| Program | Typical Deadline Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EQIP Primary Batching | Nov–Feb (varies by area) | Check with local NRCS for exact date |
| CSP Ranking | Varies | Check state ranking dates page |
| CRP General Sign-up | When announced by FSA | Not always open every year |
| LFP (Livestock Forage) | Automatic when drought triggers | Monitor drought conditions |
| LIP (Livestock Indemnity) | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
| ELAP | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
Your Next Steps in North Carolina
- Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
- Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
- Nutrient management from animal operations is NC's top EQIP priority
- NC's Agriculture Cost Share Program stacks with EQIP: apply through your local SWCD
Tools for North Carolina Ranchers
Run the numbers before your next USDA visit. Each tool takes 2–3 minutes.
County Guides (100 counties)
Each county guide includes local USDA office information, relevant programs, and conservation priorities specific to that area.
Built by ranchers who've been through it. Every guide on this site is free.