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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Martin County
Martin County lies in the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 1,068 feet.
Martin County averages 48.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 306 days. Annual mean temperature is 56.1°F.
Martin County's agricultural base centers on cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 21 farms working 9,488 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 233 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves |
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 Martin County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Scott Perry Drive, Paintsville, KY 41240
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
955 Prestonsburg St, West Liberty, KY 41472
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 Martin County
Martin County reported 233 head of cattle across roughly 250 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Martin County.
Farm Structure in Martin County
Farms average 452 acres, with about 27% classed as small operations. Around 18% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Martin County
Martin County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle. 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 Martin County Operations
Based on Martin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Special emphasis on establishing pastures and hay fields on reclaimed mine lands through soil amendments and erosion control. Technical assistance helps farmers navigate steep terrain challenges and improve forage quality.
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
Counties Bordering Martin County
Martin County shares borders with Floyd County, Kentucky, Johnson County, Kentucky, Lawrence County, Kentucky, Pike County, Kentucky, Mingo County, West Virginia, and Wayne County, West Virginia. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Martin 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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