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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cocke County
Cocke County lies in the Southern Blue Ridge (MLRA 130B) region. Elevation averages about 1,903 feet.
Cocke County averages 50.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 57.4°F.
Cocke County's agricultural base centers on cattle, soybeans, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 606 farms working 56,129 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,559 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Berries, Horses, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Cocke County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
214 N College St, Greeneville, TN 37745
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
321 Hwy 92 South, Dandridge, TN 37725
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 Cocke County
Cocke County reported 3,559 head of cattle across roughly 15,638 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 Cocke County.
Farm Structure in Cocke County
Cocke County reports about 28 acres under irrigation. Farms average 93 acres, with about 36% classed as small operations. Around 32% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Cocke County
Cocke County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Cocke County Operations
Based on Cocke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support diversified farming operations and protect water quality in sensitive watersheds near the national park. Mountain agriculture initiatives help farmers adapt to challenging terrain and variable climate conditions.
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 Cocke County
Cocke County shares borders with Haywood County, North Carolina, Madison County, North Carolina, Greene County, Tennessee, Hamblen County, Tennessee, Jefferson County, Tennessee, and Sevier 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 Cocke 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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