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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sullivan County
Sullivan County is part of the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 128). The county's mean elevation is about 1,625 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sullivan County sees 45.9 in of rain, a 334-day growing season, a 56.4°F mean annual temperature.
Sullivan County carries 10,036 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 25,477 acres. 1,050 farms operate in the county, averaging 75 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Sheep, Floriculture, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 5+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Sullivan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2942 Highway 394, Blountville, TN 37617
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 Sullivan County Operations
Based on Sullivan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Dairy operations receive support for waste management systems and facility upgrades to meet environmental standards. Vegetable producers access programs for irrigation systems and season extension infrastructure.
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 Sullivan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Carter County, Tennessee, Hawkins County, Tennessee, Johnson County, Tennessee, Washington County, Tennessee, Scott County, Virginia, and Washington County, Virginia. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sullivan 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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