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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hancock County
Elevation across Hancock County averages about 545 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 Hancock County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 50.3 inches per year. January lows average around 25°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 328 farms in Hancock County, operating across 48,270 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 147 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep, 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 Hancock County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
3100 Alvey Park Drive West, Owensboro, KY 42303
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
240 Monroe St, Hawesville, KY 42348
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 Hancock County
The forage year in Hancock County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,309 acres of pastureland and 1,480 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hancock County
About 15% of Hancock County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 147 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hancock County
Given the operation mix in Hancock 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 Hancock County Operations
Based on Hancock County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on maintaining soil health and preventing erosion on valuable Ohio River bottomland. Cover crop adoption and precision nutrient management are promoted to protect water quality while maintaining high yields.
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 Hancock County: Perry County, Indiana, Spencer County, Indiana, Breckinridge County, Kentucky, Daviess County, Kentucky, and Ohio County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hancock 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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