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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Houston County
Houston County lies in the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) region. Elevation averages about 643 feet.
Houston County averages 53.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 58.6°F.
Houston County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 280 farms working 49,243 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,439 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Houston County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
234 W Blue Creek Rd, Waverly, TN 37185
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1546 Donelson Parkway, Dover, TN 37058
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 Houston County
Houston County reported 5,439 head of cattle across roughly 16,475 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a May 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 Houston County.
Farm Structure in Houston County
Houston County reports about 17 acres under irrigation. Farms average 176 acres, with about 19% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Houston County
Houston County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, grain, and corn. 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 Houston County Operations
Based on Houston County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Small farm viability programs and beginning farmer assistance emphasized due to limited agricultural land base. Conservation practices focus on maintaining productivity on limited acreage.
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 Houston County
Houston County shares borders with Benton County, Tennessee, Dickson County, Tennessee, Humphreys County, Tennessee, Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Stewart 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 Houston 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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