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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Morgan County
Elevation across Morgan County averages about 1,272 feet. The county falls within the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) land resource region.
The growing season in Morgan County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 57.9 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 425 farms in Morgan County, operating across 60,675 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 143 acres. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Vegetables, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Morgan County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
314 Old Jamestown Highway, Crossville, TN 38555
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
452 Mark Twain Ave E, Jamestown, TN 38556
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 Morgan County
The forage year in Morgan County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 17,595 acres of pastureland and 7,527 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Morgan County
About 24% of Morgan County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 143 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Morgan County
Given the operation mix in Morgan 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 Morgan County Operations
Based on Morgan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address challenges of farming in steep mountain terrain with emphasis on erosion control. Forestry and wildlife habitat management are important components of land use assistance programs.
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 Morgan County: Anderson County, Tennessee, Cumberland County, Tennessee, Fentress County, Tennessee, Roane County, Tennessee, and Scott County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Morgan 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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