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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lawrence County
Lawrence County is part of the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains land resource region (MLRA 125). The county's mean elevation is about 814 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lawrence County sees 47.1 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.5°F mean annual temperature.
Lawrence County carries 2,255 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 15,459 acres. 255 farms operate in the county, averaging 214 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats, Poultry |
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 Lawrence County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Scott Perry Drive, Paintsville, KY 41240
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
526 E Main St, Grayson, KY 41143
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 Lawrence County Operations
Based on Lawrence County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Slope management and erosion control are critical conservation priorities in steep mountain terrain. Small farm programs support diversification efforts to maximize income from limited 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Lawrence County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Boyd County, Kentucky, Carter County, Kentucky, Elliott County, Kentucky, Johnson County, Kentucky, Martin County, Kentucky, and Morgan County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lawrence 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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