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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shelby County
Shelby County is part of the Kentucky Bluegrass land resource region (MLRA 121). The county's mean elevation is about 779 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Shelby County sees 50.7 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 55.4°F mean annual temperature.
Shelby County carries 194 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 29,014 acres. 1,350 farms operate in the county, averaging 119 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Bluegrass Region |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Tobacco, 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 Shelby County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
65 Breighton Blvd, Shelbyville, KY 40065
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 Shelby County Operations
Based on Shelby County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support cover crop adoption and no-till practices in row crop operations. Conservation efforts focus on water quality protection and soil health enhancement in the Salt River watershed.
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 Shelby County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Anderson County, Kentucky, Franklin County, Kentucky, Henry County, Kentucky, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Oldham County, Kentucky, and Spencer County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Shelby 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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