← Tennessee Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sumner County
Elevation across Sumner County averages about 803 feet. The county falls within the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal (MLRA 122) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.9 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,248 farms in Sumner County, operating across 140,142 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 112 acres. Top commodities include cattle, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Middle Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco, Poultry, Dairy |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Sumner County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
150 Albert Gallatin Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
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 Sumner County
The forage year in Sumner County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 36,190 acres of pastureland and 12,520 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Sumner County
About 25% of Sumner County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 40% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 112 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Sumner County
Sumner County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, cattle, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Sumner County Operations
Based on Sumner County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support tobacco farmers transitioning to alternative crops and livestock operations. Horse farm operations access assistance for pasture management and facility development.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Sumner County: Allen County, Kentucky, Simpson County, Kentucky, Davidson County, Tennessee, Macon County, Tennessee, Robertson County, Tennessee, and Trousdale County, Tennessee. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Sumner 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.