Union County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

290
Farms & Ranches
219K
Acres in Agriculture
756
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$3.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Union County, Kentucky has 290 farms working 219,151 agricultural acres (average 756 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $3.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. 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 Union County

Union County sits within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part (MLRA 120A) region. Elevation averages about 415 feet.

Temperatures in Union County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.6 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.

Union County ran 290 farms, 219,151 acres of farmland, and 1,318 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and wheat.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Tobacco, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Union County.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

555 State Route 1340, Dixon, KY 42409

(270) 639-5073

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

719 Us Highway 60e, Morganfield, KY 42437

(270) 389-2393

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 Union County Operations

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

Conservation programs support precision agriculture and nutrient management in intensive grain systems. Technical assistance emphasizes cover crops and buffer strips for Ohio River water quality protection.

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 Gallatin County, Illinois, Hardin County, Illinois, Posey County, Indiana, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Henderson County, Kentucky, and Webster County, Kentucky. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Union 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 FencingCRPEQIP Water DevelopmentCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.47
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.88
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Union 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.