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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Benton County
Benton County sits within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) region. Elevation averages about 503 feet.
Temperatures in Benton County range from a January mean low of 28°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 53.3 inches.
Benton County ran 401 farms, 70,176 acres of farmland, and 1,878 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Poultry, 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 Benton County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
630 High St, Huntingdon, TN 38344
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
205 Highway 641 N, Camden, TN 38320
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 Benton County Operations
Based on Benton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address erosion control on sloping terrain and wetland preservation near Kentucky Lake. Disaster assistance programs help farmers cope with periodic flooding from Tennessee River system fluctuations.
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 Carroll County, Tennessee, Decatur County, Tennessee, Henry County, Tennessee, Houston County, Tennessee, Humphreys County, Tennessee, and Perry County, Tennessee. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Benton 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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