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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About McLean County
McLean County is part of the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part land resource region (MLRA 120A). The county's mean elevation is about 376 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, McLean County sees 47.8 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 57.6°F mean annual temperature.
McLean County carries 1,453 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,065 acres. 346 farms operate in the county, averaging 327 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Hogs |
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 McLean County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
492 State Route 69 N, Hartford, KY 42347
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
300 Ky 81 N, Calhoun, KY 42327
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 McLean County Operations
Based on McLean County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil testing and amendment programs help optimize crop production on reclaimed mine soils with pH and nutrient challenges. Water management systems address both drainage and irrigation needs on variable soil types.
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 McLean County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Daviess County, Kentucky, Henderson County, Kentucky, Hopkins County, Kentucky, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Ohio County, Kentucky, and Webster County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in McLean 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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