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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sampson County
Sampson County lies in the Southern Coastal Plain (MLRA 133A) region. Elevation averages about 105 feet.
Sampson County averages 50.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 61.8°F.
Sampson County's agricultural base centers on hogs, soybeans, and tobacco. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 882 farms working 292,205 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 135 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Poultry, Vegetables, Soybeans, Tobacco, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 34+ 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 Sampson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
80 County Complex Rd, Clinton, NC 28328
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 Sampson County
Sampson County reported 135 head of cattle across roughly 9,665 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August 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 Sampson County.
Farm Structure in Sampson County
Irrigation covers about 4% of farmland in Sampson County, roughly 11,658 acres. Farms average 331 acres, with about 24% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Sampson County
With corn and soybeans in the mix in Sampson County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations); and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Sampson County Operations
Based on Sampson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Comprehensive nutrient management plans are mandatory for large livestock operations to protect water quality. Wetland restoration and riparian buffer establishment receive significant conservation funding.
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 Sampson County
Sampson County shares borders with Bladen County, North Carolina, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Duplin County, North Carolina, Harnett County, North Carolina, Johnston County, North Carolina, and Pender 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 Sampson 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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