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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Alamance County
Elevation across Alamance County averages about 604 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 45.4 inches per year. January lows average around 30°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 724 farms in Alamance County, operating across 68,769 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 95 acres. Top commodities include cattle, tobacco, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Tobacco, Soybeans, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 35+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Alamance County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
209 N Graham Hopedale Rd, Burlington, NC 27217
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 Alamance County
The forage year in Alamance County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 17,958 acres of pastureland and 11,724 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Alamance County
About 24% of Alamance County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 37% of farms are small and 1% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 95 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Alamance County
Alamance County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and tobacco. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Alamance County Operations
Based on Alamance County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on nutrient management and soil erosion control in areas with development pressure. Beginning farmer initiatives help new operators establish sustainable operations near urban markets.
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 Alamance County: Caswell County, North Carolina, Chatham County, North Carolina, Guilford County, North Carolina, Orange County, North Carolina, Randolph County, North Carolina, and Rockingham County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Alamance County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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