Bertie County, North Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

288
Farms & Ranches
162K
Acres in Agriculture
562
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$91K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cotton, Grain, Soybeans, Field Crops, Other, Tobacco
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Bertie County, North Carolina has 288 farms working 161,862 agricultural acres (average 562 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.1 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cotton, Grain, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Bertie County

Bertie County sits within the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 34 feet.

Temperatures in Bertie County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 50.6 inches.

Bertie County ran 288 farms, 161,862 acres of farmland, and 239 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cotton, soybeans, and tobacco.


Quick Facts

RegionCoastal Plain
Top CommoditiesCotton, Soybeans, Tobacco, Corn, Vegetables, Cattle & calves

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

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 Bertie County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

106 Dundee E St, Windsor, NC 27983

(252) 794-5308

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 Bertie County Operations

Based on Bertie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Precision drainage systems improve field accessibility and crop yields on poorly drained soils. Conservation buffers along waterways reduce sediment and nutrient loading in river systems.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Chowan County, North Carolina, Halifax County, North Carolina, Hertford County, North Carolina, Martin County, North Carolina, Northampton County, North Carolina, and Washington County, North Carolina. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Bertie County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.78
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Bertie County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.