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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Perry County
Perry County sits within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 1,198 feet.
Temperatures in Perry County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 50.0 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Perry County ran 53 farms, 13,549 acres of farmland, and 138 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: goats, cattle, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Goats, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey, Sheep |
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 Perry County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
305 Dawahare Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
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 Perry County Operations
Based on Perry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Reclaimed mine land agriculture focuses on soil amendment and establishment of productive pastures and hay fields on sites with proper preparation. Technical assistance helps overcome challenges of steep terrain and variable soil conditions on both native and reclaimed lands.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Breathitt County, Kentucky, Clay County, Kentucky, Harlan County, Kentucky, Knott County, Kentucky, Leslie County, Kentucky, and Letcher County, Kentucky. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Perry 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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