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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Henderson County
Elevation across Henderson County averages about 474 feet. The county falls within the Gulf Coastal Plain (MLRA 133C) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 55.4 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 656 farms in Henderson County, operating across 126,971 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 194 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, cattle, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Corn, Cotton, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Henderson 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.
Forage and Grazing in Henderson County
The forage year in Henderson County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 21,657 acres of pastureland and 7,260 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Henderson County
About 26% of Henderson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 15% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 194 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Henderson County
Henderson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, soybeans, and cattle. 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 rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Henderson County Operations
Based on Henderson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation on rolling terrain and integrated crop-livestock systems promoted. Forest management practices often combined with grazing 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Henderson County: Carroll County, Tennessee, Chester County, Tennessee, Decatur County, Tennessee, Hardin County, Tennessee, and Madison County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Henderson 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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