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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cannon County
Elevation across Cannon County averages about 834 feet. The county falls within the Nashville Basin (MLRA 123) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 57.2 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 582 farms in Cannon County, operating across 90,171 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 155 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Cannon County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
740 Old Mcminnville Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
647 Bright Hill Rd, Smithville, TN 37166
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.
Forage and Grazing in Cannon County
The forage year in Cannon County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 19,005 acres of pastureland and 6,462 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Cannon County
About 24% of Cannon County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 26% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 155 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Cannon County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Cannon County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Cannon County Operations
Based on Cannon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs support pasture improvement and soil health initiatives for cattle operations. Programs also assist farmers transitioning from tobacco to alternative crops and livestock enterprises.
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 Cannon County: Coffee County, Tennessee, DeKalb County, Tennessee, Rutherford County, Tennessee, Warren County, Tennessee, and Wilson County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Cannon 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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