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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: Severe Drought (D2).
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 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.
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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