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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bedford County
Bedford County lies in the Nashville Basin (MLRA 123) region. Elevation averages about 781 feet.
Bedford County averages 57.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 59.1°F.
Bedford County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,357 farms working 236,001 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 21,596 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Horses, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Bedford County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2013 Midland Road, Shelbyville, TN 37160
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1427 New Columbia Hwy, Lewisburg, TN 37091
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 Bedford County Operations
Based on Bedford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize pasture management and water quality protection for the extensive livestock operations. Conservation practices focus on soil health improvement for both grazing lands and row crop fields.
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 Bedford County
Bedford County shares borders with Coffee County, Tennessee, Lincoln County, Tennessee, Marshall County, Tennessee, Moore County, Tennessee, and Rutherford County, Tennessee. 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 Bedford County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Tennessee guide: Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
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