McCracken County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

339
Farms & Ranches
60K
Acres in Agriculture
176
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

McCracken County, Kentucky has 339 farms working 59,709 agricultural acres (average 176 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Kentucky Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About McCracken County

McCracken County is part of the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess land resource region (MLRA 134). The county's mean elevation is about 393 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, McCracken County sees 50.3 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 58.2°F mean annual temperature.

McCracken County carries 1,179 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,201 acres. 339 farms operate in the county, averaging 176 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Corn, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries

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 McCracken County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

1000 Commonwealth Drive, Mayfield, KY 42066

(270) 247-9525

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

1156 Kentucky Avenue, Hwy 60, Kevil, KY 42053

(270) 462-8980

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 McCracken County Operations

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

Drainage management and water control structures help optimize production on frequently flooded river bottoms. Conservation practices focus on reducing nutrient runoff into the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.

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 McCracken County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Massac County, Illinois, Pulaski County, Illinois, Ballard County, Kentucky, Carlisle County, Kentucky, Graves County, Kentucky, and Livingston County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in McCracken 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

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.66
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.76
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for McCracken 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.