← North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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: 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 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.
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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.