Hickman County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

226
Farms & Ranches
112K
Acres in Agriculture
494
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$454K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Tobacco
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hickman County, Kentucky has 226 farms working 111,590 agricultural acres (average 494 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.5 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← Kentucky Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Hickman County

Hickman County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 412 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Hickman County sees 52.2 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 58.5°F mean annual temperature.

Hickman County carries 521 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,909 acres. 226 farms operate in the county, averaging 494 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Tobacco, Cattle & calves

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 Hickman County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

205 State Route 123 W, Clinton, KY 42031

(270) 653-2721

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 Hickman County Operations

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

Wetland conservation programs protect waterfowl habitat along the Mississippi flyway. Flood mitigation and drainage management are priorities given the county's proximity to major waterways.

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 Hickman County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carlisle County, Kentucky, Fulton County, Kentucky, Graves County, Kentucky, Mississippi County, Missouri, Obion County, Tennessee, and Weakley County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Hickman 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

CRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.66
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.81
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Hickman 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.