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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cleveland County
Elevation across Cleveland County averages about 781 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 48.0 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 872 farms in Cleveland County, operating across 104,633 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 120 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Floriculture, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Cleveland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
844 Wallace Grove Dr, Shelby, NC 28150
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 Cleveland County Operations
Based on Cleveland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Nutrient management plans on dairy farms optimize fertilizer use while protecting water quality. Pasture renovation projects improve forage quality and extend grazing seasons for livestock operations.
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 Cleveland County: Burke County, North Carolina, Gaston County, North Carolina, Lincoln County, North Carolina, Rutherford County, North Carolina, Cherokee County, South Carolina, and York County, South Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cleveland 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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