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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Harnett County
Elevation across Harnett County averages about 186 feet. The county falls within the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 47.4 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 563 farms in Harnett County, operating across 109,179 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 194 acres. Top commodities include hogs, tobacco, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sandhills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Tobacco, Vegetables, Soybeans, Cotton |
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 Harnett County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
126 Alexander Drive, Lillington, NC 27546
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 Harnett County
The forage year in Harnett County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 7,099 acres of pastureland and 1,568 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Harnett County
About 24% of Harnett County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 39% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 194 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Harnett County
Harnett County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were hogs, tobacco, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning; 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 Harnett County Operations
Based on Harnett County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health programs address sandy soil management and water retention in the Sandhills environment. Livestock waste management systems protect water quality in this intensive animal agriculture area.
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 Harnett County: Chatham County, North Carolina, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Johnston County, North Carolina, Lee County, North Carolina, Moore County, North Carolina, and Sampson County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Harnett 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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