McNairy County, Tennessee: USDA programs and conservation funding

590
Farms & Ranches
116K
Acres in Agriculture
196
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.6M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton, Corn, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

McNairy County, Tennessee has 590 farms working 115,586 agricultural acres (average 196 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.6 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Cotton. Vegetation typically peaks in May, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About McNairy County

McNairy County is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 133C). The county's mean elevation is about 520 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, McNairy County sees 56.8 in of rain, a 60.3°F mean annual temperature.

McNairy County carries 4,075 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 15,911 acres. 590 farms operate in the county, averaging 196 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouthwest Tennessee
Top CommoditiesSoybeans, Cotton, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses

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 McNairy County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

512 Mulberry Ave, Selmer, TN 38375

(731) 645-5466

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 McNairy County Operations

Based on McNairy County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs address erosion control on rolling cropland and stream protection in the Big Sandy watershed. CRP enrollment helps stabilize highly erodible soils while providing wildlife habitat.

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 McNairy County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Alcorn County, Mississippi, Chester County, Tennessee, Hardeman County, Tennessee, and Hardin County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in McNairy County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Tennessee guide: Tennessee Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.68
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.85
Peak season (May)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for McNairy County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.