← Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Caldwell County
Elevation across Caldwell County averages about 539 feet. The county falls within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part (MLRA 120A) land resource region.
The growing season in Caldwell County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 50.3 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 441 farms in Caldwell County, operating across 122,775 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 278 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Caldwell County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
501 Park Way Dr, Princeton, KY 42445
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 Caldwell County
The forage year in Caldwell County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 11,207 acres of pastureland and 5,614 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Caldwell County
About 20% of Caldwell County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 278 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Caldwell County
Given the operation mix in Caldwell County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Caldwell County Operations
Based on Caldwell County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Crop diversification programs help farmers transition from tobacco to sustainable alternatives. Lake Barkley watershed protection focuses on reducing nutrient runoff from 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Caldwell County: Christian County, Kentucky, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Hopkins County, Kentucky, Lyon County, Kentucky, Trigg County, Kentucky, and Webster County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Caldwell County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kentucky guide: Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.