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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Pulaski County
Pulaski County lies in the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) region. Elevation averages about 1,059 feet.
Pulaski County averages 52.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.9°F.
Pulaski County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,600 farms working 200,962 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 22,328 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Kentucky |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Poultry, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Pulaski County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
45 Eagle Creek Dr, Somerset, KY 42503
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.
Forage and Grazing in Pulaski County
Pulaski County reported 22,328 head of cattle across roughly 49,845 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Pulaski County.
Farm Structure in Pulaski County
Pulaski County reports about 284 acres under irrigation. Farms average 126 acres, with about 28% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Pulaski County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Pulaski County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Pulaski County Operations
Based on Pulaski County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake watershed protection emphasizes nutrient management and erosion control practices to maintain Lake Cumberland water quality. Pasture management systems focus on rotational grazing and proper stocking rates on the rolling terrain throughout the county.
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 Pulaski County
Pulaski County shares borders with Casey County, Kentucky, Laurel County, Kentucky, Lincoln County, Kentucky, McCreary County, Kentucky, Rockcastle County, Kentucky, and Russell County, Kentucky. 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 Pulaski 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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