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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cheatham County
Cheatham County lies in the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) region. Elevation averages about 568 feet.
Cheatham County averages 51.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 58.9°F.
Cheatham County's agricultural base centers on tobacco, cattle, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 434 farms working 45,289 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,729 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Tobacco, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry |
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 Cheatham County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
305 Henslee Dr, Dickson, TN 37055
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
25 Jefferson Street, Suite 101, Clarksville, TN 37040
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 Cheatham County
Cheatham County reported 2,729 head of cattle across roughly 9,668 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Cheatham County.
Farm Structure in Cheatham County
Cheatham County reports about 152 acres under irrigation. Farms average 104 acres, with about 33% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Cheatham County
With cattle and soybeans in the mix in Cheatham 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 high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres). 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 Cheatham County Operations
Based on Cheatham County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on water quality protection along the Cumberland River and soil conservation for row crop operations. Beginning farmer programs support new agricultural enterprises serving nearby urban markets.
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 Cheatham County
Cheatham County shares borders with Davidson County, Tennessee, Dickson County, Tennessee, Montgomery County, Tennessee, Robertson County, Tennessee, and Williamson 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 Cheatham 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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