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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Rutherford County
Rutherford County is part of the Nashville Basin land resource region (MLRA 123). The county's mean elevation is about 584 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Rutherford County sees 55.0 in of rain, a 59.2°F mean annual temperature.
Rutherford County carries 19,589 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 38,283 acres. 1,270 farms operate in the county, averaging 107 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Rutherford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
315 John R Rice Blvd Lane Agri-Park, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
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 Rutherford County Operations
Based on Rutherford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize precision agriculture and nutrient management on high-value cropland near urban areas. CREP initiatives protect water quality along Stones River through riparian management and agricultural best 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 Rutherford County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bedford County, Tennessee, Cannon County, Tennessee, Coffee County, Tennessee, Davidson County, Tennessee, Marshall County, Tennessee, and Williamson County, Tennessee. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Rutherford 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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