← North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wayne County
Wayne County is part of the Southern Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133A). The county's mean elevation is about 69 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Wayne County sees 50.7 in of rain, a 61.5°F mean annual temperature.
Wayne County carries 3,451 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,315 acres. 415 farms operate in the county, averaging 361 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Soybeans, Vegetables, Tobacco, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 13+ 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 Wayne County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3114 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534
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 Wayne County Operations
Based on Wayne County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Comprehensive nutrient management for livestock operations protects the Neuse River from agricultural runoff. Hurricane recovery and flood mitigation programs help farmers rebuild after coastal storm damage.
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 Wayne County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Duplin County, North Carolina, Greene County, North Carolina, Johnston County, North Carolina, Lenoir County, North Carolina, Sampson County, North Carolina, and Wilson County, North Carolina. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Wayne 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.