Pendleton County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

878
Farms & Ranches
91K
Acres in Agriculture
104
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.2M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain, Soybeans, Tobacco
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pendleton County, Kentucky has 878 farms working 91,304 agricultural acres (average 104 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.2 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Pendleton County

Pendleton County lies in the Kentucky Bluegrass (MLRA 121) region. Elevation averages about 713 feet.

Pendleton County averages 46.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 306 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.0°F.

Pendleton County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and tobacco. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 878 farms working 91,304 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,520 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Soybeans, Tobacco, Corn, Horses, Vegetables

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 Pendleton County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

103 Rodgers Park Dr, Cynthiana, KY 41031

(859) 234-2646

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

814 Us Highway 27 S, Falmouth, KY 41040

(859) 654-3374

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 Pendleton County Operations

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

River bottom production focuses on maximizing yields on high-quality alluvial soils through proper drainage and nutrient management. Conservation practices emphasize reducing runoff into the Ohio and Licking Rivers while maintaining productive agricultural systems.

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

Counties Bordering Pendleton County

Pendleton County shares borders with Bracken County, Kentucky, Campbell County, Kentucky, Grant County, Kentucky, Harrison County, Kentucky, Kenton County, Kentucky, and Clermont County, Ohio. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Pendleton 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 FencingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.58
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.90
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pendleton 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.