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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Meade County
Meade County is part of the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal land resource region (MLRA 122). The county's mean elevation is about 586 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Meade County sees 50.0 in of rain, a 306-day growing season, a 56.0°F mean annual temperature.
Meade County carries 7,278 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 17,752 acres. 731 farms operate in the county, averaging 173 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Meade County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1101 S Highway 261, Hardinsburg, KY 40143
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1194 Old Ekron Rd, Brandenburg, KY 40108
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 Meade County Operations
Based on Meade County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Crop rotation plans help maintain soil health while transitioning from tobacco dependence to alternative crops. Conservation practices focus on preventing erosion on sloping fields and protecting stream quality in the Ohio River watershed.
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 Meade County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crawford County, Indiana, Harrison County, Indiana, Perry County, Indiana, Breckinridge County, Kentucky, and Hardin County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Meade 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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