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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Elevation across Union County averages about 574 feet. The county falls within the Southern Piedmont (MLRA 136) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 43.6 inches per year. January lows average around 31°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 882 farms in Union County, operating across 212,066 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 240 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, wheat, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Piedmont |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Wheat, Corn, Floriculture, Cotton |
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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3230 Presson Rd, Monroe, NC 28112
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 Union County
The forage year in Union County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 20,600 acres of pastureland and 7,838 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Union County
About 21% of Union County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 44% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 240 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Union County
Union County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and wheat. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs help maintain agriculture amid rapid suburban development from Charlotte. Conservation practices focus on managing runoff from developed areas and protecting the Rocky River watershed.
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 Union County: Anson County, North Carolina, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Stanly County, North Carolina, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, and Lancaster County, South Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Union 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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