← Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Smith County
Smith County lies in the Nashville Basin (MLRA 123) region. Elevation averages about 554 feet.
Smith County averages 54.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 58.7°F.
Smith County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 758 farms working 126,226 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 9,362 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Cumberland |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Smith County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
125 Gordonsville Hwy, Carthage, TN 37030
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Smith County
Smith County reported 9,362 head of cattle across roughly 46,981 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 Smith County.
Farm Structure in Smith County
Smith County reports about 385 acres under irrigation. Farms average 167 acres, with about 18% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Smith County
Given the operation mix in Smith 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 high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Smith County Operations
Based on Smith County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize pasture management and stream protection along creek systems. Tobacco transition programs help farmers diversify into alternative crops and livestock enterprises.
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 Smith County
Smith County shares borders with DeKalb County, Tennessee, Jackson County, Tennessee, Macon County, Tennessee, Putnam County, Tennessee, Trousdale County, Tennessee, and Wilson 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 Smith County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Tennessee guide: Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.