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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Knott County
Knott County lies in the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 1,515 feet.
Knott County averages 48.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.6°F.
Knott County's agricultural base centers on cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 49 farms working 9,659 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 859 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Knott County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
305 Dawahare Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
100 Highway 15 S Ste 129, Jackson, KY 41339
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.
Farm Structure in Knott County
Knott County reports about 4 acres under irrigation. Farms average 197 acres, with about 17% classed as small operations. Around 36% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Knott County
Knott County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Knott County Operations
Based on Knott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope conservation programs address erosion and runoff challenges in mountain terrain. Small farm development initiatives help producers maximize productivity from limited suitable agricultural land.
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 Knott County
Knott County shares borders with Breathitt County, Kentucky, Floyd County, Kentucky, Letcher County, Kentucky, Magoffin County, Kentucky, Perry County, Kentucky, and Pike County, Kentucky. 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 Knott 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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