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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Fentress County
Fentress County sits within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 1,650 feet.
Temperatures in Fentress County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 57.3 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Fentress County ran 536 farms, 109,309 acres of farmland, and 16,638 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, corn, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Vegetables, Corn, Berries, Dairy |
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 Fentress County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
452 Mark Twain Ave E, Jamestown, TN 38556
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 Fentress County Operations
Based on Fentress County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on erosion control and sustainable grazing systems adapted to steep terrain and limited suitable farmland. Forest-agriculture integration initiatives help maximize productivity of small mountain 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 Cumberland County, Tennessee, Morgan County, Tennessee, Overton County, Tennessee, Pickett County, Tennessee, Putnam County, Tennessee, and Scott County, Tennessee. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Fentress 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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