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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Knox County
Knox County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128). The county's mean elevation is about 963 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Knox County sees 53.7 in of rain, a 58.7°F mean annual temperature.
Knox County carries 5,091 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 18,042 acres. 862 farms operate in the county, averaging 62 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Knox County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4730 New Harvest Ln, Knoxville, TN 37918
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 Knox County Operations
Based on Knox County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban interface management and farmland preservation programs address development pressure. Local food systems and direct marketing opportunities emphasized.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Knox County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Anderson County, Tennessee, Blount County, Tennessee, Grainger County, Tennessee, Jefferson County, Tennessee, Loudon County, Tennessee, and Roane County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Knox 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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