Onslow County, North Carolina: USDA programs and conservation funding

342
Farms & Ranches
53K
Acres in Agriculture
155
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$458K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Hogs, Grain, Sod, Soybeans, Cotton
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Onslow County, North Carolina has 342 farms working 53,032 agricultural acres (average 155 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Hogs, Grain, Sod. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Onslow County operations

With 342 farms averaging 155 acres, a hogs and grain commodity base, vegetation peaking near Aug at 0.80 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← North Carolina Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Onslow County

Onslow County is part of the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods land resource region (MLRA 153A). The county's mean elevation is about 41 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Onslow County sees 57.1 in of rain, a 62.5°F mean annual temperature.

Onslow County carries 1,042 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,141 acres. 342 farms operate in the county, averaging 155 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionCoastal Plain
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Hogs, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Vegetables

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 Onslow County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

4026 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540

(910) 455-4164

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 Onslow County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Onslow County greening up around April and peaking in August. The county carries about 2,141 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.

Farm Structure in Onslow County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Onslow County at an average farm size of 155 acres, 34% small operations, 24% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 1,070 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.

What Tends to Fit in Onslow County

Onslow County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were hogs, grain, and sod. 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 Onslow County Operations

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

Conservation programs protect water quality in coastal watersheds while supporting traditional farming practices. Wetland restoration initiatives help maintain critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Onslow County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carteret County, North Carolina, Duplin County, North Carolina, Jones County, North Carolina, and Pender County, North Carolina. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Onslow 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.

Related program guides

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.69
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Onslow 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.