Lyon County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

158
Farms & Ranches
35K
Acres in Agriculture
223
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Tobacco
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Lyon County, Kentucky has 158 farms working 35,222 agricultural acres (average 223 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Lyon County

Elevation across Lyon County averages about 450 feet. The county falls within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) land resource region.

The growing season in Lyon County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 50.7 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 89°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 158 farms in Lyon County, operating across 35,222 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 223 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and tobacco.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Horses, Poultry, Goats

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 Lyon County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

501 Park Way Dr, Princeton, KY 42445

(270) 365-6530

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 Lyon County Operations

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

Wildlife habitat programs balance agricultural production with conservation in the lakes region. Water quality protection focuses on preventing runoff into Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

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 Lyon County: Caldwell County, Kentucky, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Livingston County, Kentucky, Marshall County, Kentucky, and Trigg County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Lyon 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

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Related program guides

EQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.70
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.91
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Lyon 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.