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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Graves County
Graves County lies in the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) region. Elevation averages about 497 feet.
Graves County averages 52.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.3°F.
Graves County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,129 farms working 255,830 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,207 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Tobacco |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Graves County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1000 Commonwealth Drive, Mayfield, KY 42066
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 Graves County Operations
Based on Graves County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices emphasize soil health through cover crops and reduced tillage in intensive grain production systems. Water quality protection measures focus on nutrient management to prevent runoff into regional watersheds.
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 Graves County
Graves County shares borders with Calloway County, Kentucky, Carlisle County, Kentucky, Hickman County, Kentucky, McCracken County, Kentucky, Marshall County, Kentucky, and Henry County, Tennessee. 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 Graves 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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