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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
| Region | Western Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Horses, Poultry, Goats |
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 Lyon County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
501 Park Way Dr, Princeton, KY 42445
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 Lyon County
The forage year in Lyon County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 6,773 acres of pastureland and 2,051 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lyon County
About 32% of Lyon County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 13% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 223 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lyon County
Given the operation mix in Lyon 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 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
- 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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