← North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Catawba County
Catawba County lies in the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) region. Elevation averages about 958 feet.
Catawba County averages 47.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 58.9°F.
Catawba County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 608 farms working 61,631 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,236 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Foothills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Floriculture, Vegetables, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Catawba County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1175 S Brady Ave, Newton, NC 28658
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
444 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC 28677
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 Catawba County
Catawba County reported 3,236 head of cattle across roughly 14,546 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August 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 Catawba County.
Farm Structure in Catawba County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Catawba County, roughly 766 acres. Farms average 101 acres, with about 39% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Catawba County
Catawba County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Catawba County Operations
Based on Catawba County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Manure management systems on dairy operations protect water quality in the Catawba River basin. Pasture improvement practices increase forage production and extend grazing seasons.
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 Catawba County
Catawba County shares borders with Alexander County, North Carolina, Burke County, North Carolina, Caldwell County, North Carolina, Iredell County, North Carolina, and Lincoln 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 Catawba 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.