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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pender County
Pender County lies in the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 39 feet.
Pender County averages 56.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 62.7°F.
Pender County's agricultural base centers on hogs, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 354 farms working 78,903 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,738 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Soybeans, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 28+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Pender County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
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 Pender County
Pender County reported 1,738 head of cattle across roughly 4,580 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Pender County.
Farm Structure in Pender County
Irrigation covers about 6% of farmland in Pender County, roughly 5,110 acres. Farms average 223 acres, with about 42% classed as small operations. Around 17% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pender County
Given the operation mix in Pender County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Pender County Operations
Based on Pender County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs help maintain agricultural areas amid suburban development pressure. Conservation practices focus on protecting water quality in coastal watersheds and maintaining rural character.
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
Counties Bordering Pender County
Pender County shares borders with Bladen County, North Carolina, Brunswick County, North Carolina, Columbus County, North Carolina, Duplin County, North Carolina, New Hanover County, North Carolina, and Onslow County, North Carolina. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Pender 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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