← Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lee County
Elevation across Lee County averages about 1,061 feet. The county falls within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) land resource region.
The growing season in Lee County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 50.2 inches per year. January lows average around 25°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 127 farms in Lee County, operating across 29,469 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 232 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Corn |
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 Lee County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Fortress Properties Ste 1, London, KY 40741
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.
Forage and Grazing in Lee County
The forage year in Lee County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,343 acres of pastureland and 649 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lee County
About 23% of Lee County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 26% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 232 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lee County
Given the operation mix in Lee County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Lee County Operations
Based on Lee County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope conservation and stream protection programs address unique challenges of mountain agriculture. Small farm development initiatives help maximize productivity from very 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Lee County: Breathitt County, Kentucky, Estill County, Kentucky, Jackson County, Kentucky, Owsley County, Kentucky, Powell County, Kentucky, and Wolfe County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lee County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Kentucky guide: Kentucky Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.