← Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Elevation across Clay County averages about 1,097 feet. The county falls within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) land resource region.
The growing season in Clay County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 52.2 inches per year. January lows average around 25°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 178 farms in Clay County, operating across 38,581 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 217 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Clay County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Fortress Properties Ste 1, London, KY 40741
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
34 Spring Ave, Barbourville, KY 40906
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 Clay County
The forage year in Clay County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 11,657 acres of pastureland and 977 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clay County
About 16% of Clay County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% 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 217 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Clay County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP funding prioritizes pasture improvement and erosion control on steep slopes. Conservation programs focus on protecting water quality in headwater streams through riparian buffers and proper grazing management.
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 Clay County: Bell County, Kentucky, Jackson County, Kentucky, Knox County, Kentucky, Laurel County, Kentucky, Leslie County, Kentucky, and Owsley County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clay 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.