← Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Davidson County
Elevation across Davidson County averages about 422 feet. The county falls within the Nashville Basin (MLRA 123) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.1 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 350 farms in Davidson County, operating across 31,523 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 90 acres. Top commodities include sod, cattle, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Honey, Horses |
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 Davidson County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
150 Albert Gallatin Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
5024 Highway 41 N, Springfield, TN 37172
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 Davidson County
The forage year in Davidson County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 7,922 acres of pastureland and 908 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Davidson County
About 22% of Davidson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 44% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 90 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Davidson County
Davidson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were sod, cattle, and grain. 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 specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Davidson County Operations
Based on Davidson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support urban-adjacent agriculture and help preserve remaining farmland through conservation easements. Beginning farmer initiatives focus on specialty crops and direct-marketing operations serving the Nashville metropolitan area.
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 Davidson County: Cheatham County, Tennessee, Robertson County, Tennessee, Rutherford County, Tennessee, Sumner County, Tennessee, Williamson County, Tennessee, and Wilson County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Davidson County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Tennessee guide: Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.