Harrison County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,051
Farms & Ranches
164K
Acres in Agriculture
156
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$13.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other, Corn, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Harrison County, Kentucky has 1,051 farms working 164,233 agricultural acres (average 156 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $13.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, 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 Harrison County

Harrison County is part of the Kentucky Bluegrass land resource region (MLRA 121). The county's mean elevation is about 822 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Harrison County sees 48.2 in of rain, a 306-day growing season, a 55.0°F mean annual temperature.

Harrison County carries 15,702 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 54,005 acres. 1,051 farms operate in the county, averaging 156 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco, Vegetables, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.

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 Harrison County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

103 Rodgers Park Dr, Cynthiana, KY 41031

(859) 234-2646

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 Harrison County Operations

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

EQIP supports rotational grazing systems and pasture renovation to maximize forage production on Bluegrass soils. Stream protection measures maintain water quality while preserving the scenic character of the agricultural landscape.

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

Nearby Counties

Operators in Harrison County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bourbon County, Kentucky, Bracken County, Kentucky, Grant County, Kentucky, Nicholas County, Kentucky, Pendleton County, Kentucky, and Robertson County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Harrison 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

0.71
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.81
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Harrison 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.