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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lincoln County
Elevation across Lincoln County averages about 657 feet. The county falls within the Nashville Basin (MLRA 123) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 59.5 inches per year. January lows average around 29°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,450 farms in Lincoln County, operating across 270,934 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 187 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, 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 Lincoln County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
820 William D Jones Blvd, Fayetteville, TN 37334
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 Lincoln County
The forage year in Lincoln County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 87,518 acres of pastureland and 24,327 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lincoln County
About 23% of Lincoln 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 187 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lincoln County
Lincoln 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 Lincoln County Operations
Based on Lincoln County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize soil health practices and cover crops for row crop operations. Water quality protection along Elk River tributaries is a priority for conservation assistance.
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 Lincoln County: Limestone County, Alabama, Madison County, Alabama, Bedford County, Tennessee, Franklin County, Tennessee, Giles County, Tennessee, and Marshall County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lincoln 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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