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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scott County
Scott County lies in the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 125) region. Elevation averages about 1,538 feet.
Scott County averages 57.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.3°F.
Scott County's agricultural base centers on cattle, equine, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 255 farms working 31,350 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 844 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Cumberland |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Honey |
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 Scott County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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 Scott County
Scott County reported 844 head of cattle across roughly 4,793 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Scott County.
Farm Structure in Scott County
Scott County reports about 147 acres under irrigation. Farms average 123 acres, with about 28% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Scott County
With cattle and goats in the mix in Scott County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Scott County Operations
Based on Scott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus heavily on erosion control and forest management due to steep slopes. Livestock operations benefit from pasture improvement and water system development initiatives.
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
Counties Bordering Scott County
Scott County shares borders with McCreary County, Kentucky, Wayne County, Kentucky, Anderson County, Tennessee, Campbell County, Tennessee, Fentress County, Tennessee, and Morgan County, Tennessee. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Scott 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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