Scott County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

781
Farms & Ranches
115K
Acres in Agriculture
147
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$17.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Equine, Equine, Cattle, Grain, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Scott County, Kentucky has 781 farms working 114,772 agricultural acres (average 147 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $17.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Equine, Equine, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, 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 Scott County

Scott County lies in the Kentucky Bluegrass (MLRA 121) region. Elevation averages about 919 feet.

Scott County averages 49.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 306 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.2°F.

Scott County's agricultural base centers on equine, equine, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 781 farms working 114,772 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 36 head.


Quick Facts

RegionBluegrass Region
Top CommoditiesHorses, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables

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 Scott County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

103 Rodgers Park Dr, Cynthiana, KY 41031

(859) 234-2646

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

141 Leestown Center Way, Lexington, KY 40511

(859) 233-0194

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 Scott County Operations

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

Conservation programs support high-value horse farm operations with fencing and water system improvements. Technical assistance emphasizes soil health practices and pasture management for premium livestock operations.

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 Scott County

Scott County shares borders with Bourbon County, Kentucky, Fayette County, Kentucky, Franklin County, Kentucky, Grant County, Kentucky, Harrison County, Kentucky, and Owen 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 Scott 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 GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRPEQIP Fencing

Vegetation Baseline

0.69
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Scott 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.