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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Knox County
Elevation across Knox County averages about 1,145 feet. The county falls within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) land resource region.
The growing season in Knox County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 53.2 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 293 farms in Knox County, operating across 32,034 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 109 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Poultry, Floriculture, Horses |
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 Knox County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Fortress Properties Ste 1, London, KY 40741
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
34 Spring Ave, Barbourville, KY 40906
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 Knox County
The forage year in Knox County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 6,097 acres of pastureland and 1,706 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Knox County
About 26% of Knox County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 109 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Knox County
Knox County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, corn, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; 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 Knox County Operations
Based on Knox County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest edge management programs balance agricultural use with wildlife habitat conservation. Pasture improvement initiatives help optimize limited grazing areas in steep mountain terrain.
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 Knox County: Bell County, Kentucky, Clay County, Kentucky, Laurel County, Kentucky, and Whitley County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Knox 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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