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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Decatur County
Decatur County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 446 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Decatur County sees 55.4 in of rain, a 59.8°F mean annual temperature.
Decatur County carries 4,161 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 13,978 acres. 348 farms operate in the county, averaging 246 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Goats, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Decatur County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
80 S Broad St, Lexington, TN 38351
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 Decatur County Operations
Based on Decatur County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs address both bottomland conservation for intensive row crops and upland pasture management for livestock operations. Flood protection and wetland conservation are priorities in Tennessee River bottom areas.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Decatur County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Benton County, Tennessee, Carroll County, Tennessee, Hardin County, Tennessee, Henderson County, Tennessee, Perry County, Tennessee, and Wayne County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Decatur 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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