Hardeman County, Tennessee: USDA programs and conservation funding

598
Farms & Ranches
159K
Acres in Agriculture
266
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.8M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Hardeman County, Tennessee has 598 farms working 159,283 agricultural acres (average 266 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.8 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Hardeman County operations

With 598 farms averaging 266 acres, a grain and soybeans commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jun at 0.89 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← Tennessee Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Hardeman County

Hardeman County lies in the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134) region. Elevation averages about 405 feet.

Hardeman County averages 56.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 60.5°F.

Hardeman County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, cotton, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 598 farms working 159,283 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 7,787 head.

Quick Facts
RegionSouthwest Tennessee
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Cotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts

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 Hardeman County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

791 Tennessee St, Bolivar, TN 38008

(731) 658-3631

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 Hardeman County

Hardeman County reported 7,787 head of cattle across roughly 23,540 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 Hardeman County.

Farm Structure in Hardeman County

Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Hardeman County, roughly 954 acres. Farms average 266 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.

What Tends to Fit in Hardeman County

Given the operation mix in Hardeman County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.

Programs for Hardeman County Operations

Based on Hardeman County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation focus on soil health in cotton systems and water quality protection along Hatchie River. Integrated pest management promoted for row crop production.

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 Hardeman County

Hardeman County shares borders with Alcorn County, Mississippi, Benton County, Mississippi, Tippah County, Mississippi, Chester County, Tennessee, Fayette County, Tennessee, and Haywood 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 Hardeman County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Tennessee guide: Tennessee Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentEQIP Brush ManagementCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Hardeman County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.