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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Owsley County
Owsley County is part of the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains land resource region (MLRA 125). The county's mean elevation is about 944 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Owsley County sees 50.5 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 56.1°F mean annual temperature.
Owsley County carries 1,193 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,771 acres. 84 farms operate in the county, averaging 258 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry, Hogs, Fruit & tree nuts, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Owsley County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Fortress Properties Ste 1, London, KY 40741
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
100 Highway 15 S Ste 129, Jackson, KY 41339
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 Owsley County Operations
Based on Owsley County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mountain agriculture practices focus on establishing and maintaining small pastures and hay fields on extremely limited flat ground. Technical assistance emphasizes erosion control and efficient use of the modest agricultural land available in this rugged 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Owsley County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Breathitt County, Kentucky, Clay County, Kentucky, Jackson County, Kentucky, Lee County, Kentucky, and Perry County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Owsley 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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