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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wilson County
Wilson County is part of the Southern Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133A). The county's mean elevation is about 122 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Wilson County sees 49.0 in of rain, a 60.9°F mean annual temperature.
Wilson County carries 193 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,146 acres. 207 farms operate in the county, averaging 610 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Poultry, Tobacco, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn |
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 Wilson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1806 Goldsboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893
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 Wilson County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Wilson County greening up around May and peaking in July. The county carries about 2,146 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 Wilson County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Wilson County at an average farm size of 610 acres, 34% small operations, 30% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 2,122 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 Wilson County
Wilson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were tobacco, grain, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election, 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 Wilson County Operations
Based on Wilson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Sweet potato production utilizes specialized conservation practices for soil health and water management. Nutrient management plans for livestock operations protect water quality in the Contentnea Creek 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Wilson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Edgecombe County, North Carolina, Greene County, North Carolina, Johnston County, North Carolina, Nash County, North Carolina, Pitt County, North Carolina, and Wayne County, North Carolina. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Wilson 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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