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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Beaufort County
Beaufort County lies in the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 16 feet.
Beaufort County averages 53.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 62.2°F.
Beaufort County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 259 farms working 139,853 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 136 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cotton, Tobacco, Wheat |
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 Beaufort County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
155 Airport Rd, Washington, NC 27889
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 Beaufort County
Beaufort County reported 136 head of cattle across roughly 1,267 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Beaufort County.
Farm Structure in Beaufort County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Beaufort County, roughly 1,656 acres. Farms average 540 acres, with about 27% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Beaufort County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Beaufort County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground), and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Beaufort County Operations
Based on Beaufort County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management systems optimize production on poorly drained soils while protecting water quality. Riparian buffer installations along waterways reduce nutrient runoff into coastal waters.
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 Beaufort County
Beaufort County shares borders with Craven County, North Carolina, Hyde County, North Carolina, Martin County, North Carolina, Pamlico County, North Carolina, Pitt County, North Carolina, and Washington County, North Carolina. 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 Beaufort 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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