Clark County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

804
Farms & Ranches
136K
Acres in Agriculture
169
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$23.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Equine, Equine, Corn
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Clark County, Kentucky has 804 farms working 135,849 agricultural acres (average 169 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $23.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Clark County

Clark County sits within the Kentucky Bluegrass (MLRA 121) region. Elevation averages about 906 feet.

Temperatures in Clark County range from a January mean low of 25°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.3 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.

Clark County ran 804 farms, 135,849 acres of farmland, and 20,972 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Horses, Corn, Tobacco, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Clark County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

667 Tech Dr, Winchester, KY 40391

(859) 745-2828

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 Clark County Operations

Based on Clark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Equine facility management programs maintain high-quality pastures essential for horse breeding and training operations. Kentucky River watershed protection emphasizes nutrient management and riparian conservation.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Bourbon County, Kentucky, Estill County, Kentucky, Fayette County, Kentucky, Madison County, Kentucky, Montgomery County, Kentucky, and Powell County, Kentucky. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Clark County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Kentucky guide: Kentucky Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.75
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.84
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Clark County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.