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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Putnam County is part of the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal land resource region (MLRA 122). The county's mean elevation is about 1,172 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Putnam County sees 58.3 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 57.2°F mean annual temperature.
Putnam County carries 8,652 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 28,205 acres. 883 farms operate in the county, averaging 106 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Vegetables, Poultry, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Putnam County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2530 Bradford Hicks Dr, Livingston, TN 38570
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
751 Millers Point Rd, Sparta, TN 38583
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 Putnam County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Putnam County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 28,205 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Putnam County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Putnam County at an average farm size of 106 acres, 37% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 71 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Putnam County
Given the operation mix in Putnam 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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs promote soil health practices and cover crops for row crop systems on plateau soils. Stream protection along Caney Fork tributaries emphasizes riparian management and livestock exclusion practices.
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 Putnam County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cumberland County, Tennessee, DeKalb County, Tennessee, Fentress County, Tennessee, Jackson County, Tennessee, Overton County, Tennessee, and Smith County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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