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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lake County
Elevation across Lake County averages about 285 feet. The county falls within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 51.1 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 90°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 48 farms in Lake County, operating across 61,488 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,281 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 12+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Lake County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1216 Stad Ave, Union City, TN 38261
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
229 Church St, Tiptonville, TN 38079
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 Lake County Operations
Based on Lake County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage management and flood protection critical for crop production in floodplain environment. Waterfowl habitat conservation integrated with agricultural 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 Lake County: Fulton County, Kentucky, New Madrid County, Missouri, Pemiscot County, Missouri, Dyer County, Tennessee, and Obion County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lake 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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