Moore County, North Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

802
Farms & Ranches
106K
Acres in Agriculture
132
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Tobacco, Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Moore County, North Carolina has 802 farms working 106,258 agricultural acres (average 132 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Tobacco, Grain, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← North Carolina Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Moore County

Moore County sits within the Carolina and Georgia Sand Hills (MLRA 137) region. Elevation averages about 484 feet.

Temperatures in Moore County range from a January mean low of 31°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.3 inches.

Moore County ran 802 farms, 106,258 acres of farmland, and 11,992 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: tobacco, soybeans, and corn.


Quick Facts

RegionSandhills
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Tobacco, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ 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 Moore County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

707 Pinehurst Ave, Carthage, NC 28327

(910) 947-5183

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

2410 Tramway Rd, Sanford, NC 27332

(919) 775-3407

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 Moore County Operations

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

Specialty crop programs support fruit growers with irrigation efficiency and integrated pest management practices. Conservation initiatives promote sustainable land use in this rapidly developing region.

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 Chatham County, North Carolina, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Harnett County, North Carolina, Hoke County, North Carolina, Lee County, North Carolina, and Montgomery County, North Carolina. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Moore 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.

Vegetation Baseline

0.73
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Moore 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.