← Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Franklin County
Elevation across Franklin County averages about 1,026 feet. The county falls within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 60.3 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 686 farms in Franklin County, operating across 115,142 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 168 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Cotton, Wheat |
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 Franklin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
Federal Bldg, 200 S Jefferson, Winchester, TN 37398
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 Franklin County Operations
Based on Franklin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Focus on pasture improvement and rotational grazing systems for beef operations. Water quality protection practices emphasized around Tims Ford Lake watershed.
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 Franklin County: Jackson County, Alabama, Madison County, Alabama, Coffee County, Tennessee, Grundy County, Tennessee, Lincoln County, Tennessee, and Marion County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Franklin 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.