Owen County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

674
Farms & Ranches
136K
Acres in Agriculture
202
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$12.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Tobacco, Grain, Soybeans
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Owen County, Kentucky has 674 farms working 136,342 agricultural acres (average 202 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $12.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Tobacco. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Owen County

Elevation across Owen County averages about 789 feet. The county falls within the Kentucky Bluegrass (MLRA 121) land resource region.

The growing season in Owen County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 48.5 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 86°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 674 farms in Owen County, operating across 136,342 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 202 acres. Top commodities include cattle, tobacco, and soybeans.


Quick Facts

RegionNorth Central Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Tobacco, Soybeans, Vegetables, Sheep, Fruit & tree nuts

Current Conditions

Drought status: None (None).

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 Owen County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

103 Rodgers Park Dr, Cynthiana, KY 41031

(859) 234-2646

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

205 W Perry St, Owenton, KY 40359

(502) 484-3979

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 Owen County Operations

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

Tobacco transition programs help farmers diversify into alternative crops while maintaining farm profitability and soil conservation practices. Pasture improvement initiatives focus on establishing productive grass-legume mixtures on rolling terrain.

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 Owen County: Carroll County, Kentucky, Franklin County, Kentucky, Gallatin County, Kentucky, Grant County, Kentucky, Henry County, Kentucky, and Scott County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Owen 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 Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.56
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.90
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Owen 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.