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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lawrence County
Elevation across Lawrence County averages about 931 feet. The county falls within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 58.3 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,227 farms in Lawrence County, operating across 238,241 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 194 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Lawrence County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
237 Waterloo St, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
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 Lawrence County
The forage year in Lawrence County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 52,955 acres of pastureland and 21,940 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lawrence County
About 22% of Lawrence County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 23% 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 Lawrence County
Given the operation mix in Lawrence County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Lawrence County Operations
Based on Lawrence County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil health improvement and cover crop adoption promoted in grain production systems. Pasture management and rotational grazing emphasized for livestock 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 Lawrence County: Lauderdale County, Alabama, Giles County, Tennessee, Lewis County, Tennessee, Maury County, Tennessee, and Wayne County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lawrence 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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