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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Union County lies in the Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 128) region. Elevation averages about 1,377 feet.
Union County averages 53.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 334 days. Annual mean temperature is 57.0°F.
Union County's agricultural base centers on cattle, corn, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 442 farms working 72,210 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,632 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Tennessee |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Vegetables, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2178 Highway 25e, Tazewell, TN 37879
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 Union County
Union County reported 5,632 head of cattle across roughly 22,318 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a July 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 Union County.
Farm Structure in Union County
Union County reports about 104 acres under irrigation. Farms average 163 acres, with about 32% classed as small operations. Around 32% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Union County
Given the operation mix in Union 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 brush management for rangeland. 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 Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality protection programs are emphasized due to proximity to Norris Lake and the Clinch River system. Pasture management practices focus on preventing erosion and nutrient runoff.
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 Union County
Union County shares borders with Anderson County, Tennessee, Campbell County, Tennessee, Claiborne County, Tennessee, Grainger County, Tennessee, and Knox 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 Union 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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