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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Breathitt County
Breathitt County lies in the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 880 feet.
Breathitt County averages 49.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.1°F.
Breathitt County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and tomatoes. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 150 farms working 33,617 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 805 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Honey, Goats, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Breathitt County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
305 Dawahare Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
100 Highway 15 S Ste 129, Jackson, KY 41339
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 Breathitt County Operations
Based on Breathitt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Stream corridor protection programs address water quality in the Kentucky River watershed. Small farm and beginning farmer programs support subsistence and part-time agricultural operations.
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 Breathitt County
Breathitt County shares borders with Knott County, Kentucky, Lee County, Kentucky, Magoffin County, Kentucky, Owsley County, Kentucky, Perry County, Kentucky, and Wolfe County, Kentucky. 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 Breathitt County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kentucky guide: Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
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