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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Carter County
Carter County lies in the Western Allegheny Plateau (MLRA 124) region. Elevation averages about 834 feet.
Carter County averages 45.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 54.7°F.
Carter County's agricultural base centers on cattle, equine, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 681 farms working 82,568 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,960 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Poultry, Tobacco, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Carter County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
526 E Main St, Grayson, KY 41143
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 Carter County
Carter County reported 3,960 head of cattle across roughly 20,906 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Carter County.
Farm Structure in Carter County
Carter County reports about 51 acres under irrigation. Farms average 121 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 28% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Carter County
Given the operation mix in Carter 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 Carter County Operations
Based on Carter County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope management programs address erosion control and pasture improvement on challenging terrain. Small farm initiatives support part-time and beginning farmer operations in this rural area.
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 Carter County
Carter County shares borders with Boyd County, Kentucky, Elliott County, Kentucky, Greenup County, Kentucky, Lawrence County, Kentucky, Lewis County, Kentucky, and Rowan 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 Carter 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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