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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Clay County sits within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) region. Elevation averages about 833 feet.
Temperatures in Clay County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 53.5 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Clay County ran 364 farms, 61,730 acres of farmland, and 4,640 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Hogs |
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
757 S Grundy Quarles Hwy, Gainesboro, TN 38562
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 Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address steep slope challenges and promote sustainable grazing systems on limited suitable land. Forestry and pasture integration programs help maximize productivity of small farming operations.
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 Clinton County, Kentucky, Cumberland County, Kentucky, Monroe County, Kentucky, Jackson County, Tennessee, Macon County, Tennessee, and Overton County, Tennessee. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Clay 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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