Simpson County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

400
Farms & Ranches
109K
Acres in Agriculture
274
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$5.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Simpson County, Kentucky has 400 farms working 109,458 agricultural acres (average 274 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $5.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in May, 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 Simpson County

Elevation across Simpson County averages about 675 feet. The county falls within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) land resource region.

The growing season in Simpson County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 51.5 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 89°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 400 farms in Simpson County, operating across 109,458 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 274 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Horses, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Simpson County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

925 Lovers Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42103

(270) 843-1111

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

1300 Bluegrass Rd Ste B, Franklin, KY 42134

(270) 586-4732

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 Simpson County Operations

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

Conservation programs emphasize cover crops and nutrient management in intensive row crop systems. Technical assistance supports transition from tobacco to alternative crops and improved livestock facilities.

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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Simpson County: Allen County, Kentucky, Logan County, Kentucky, Warren County, Kentucky, Robertson County, Tennessee, and Sumner County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Simpson 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

CSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.61
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.66
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Simpson 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.