MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Dyer County is earning praise for its support of rural economic development.

The Tennessee Rural Development Committee says the northwest Tennessee county has received the 2012 Rural Development Award for outstanding Local Programs.

Committee Chair Bobby Goode says Dyer County officials helped build up resources and infrastructure that support small business development, including farms and ranches.

Agriculture drives the county's economy, with more than 230,000 acres under cultivation. The committee says that production of soybean, grain sorghum, wheat, corn and cotton pumps more than $136 million into the local economy.

The county also is working to prepare adults and youth for leadership positions in business and the community.

The Tennessee Rural Development Committee is partnership of federal and state agencies that coordinates programs for economic development in rural communities.