Indiana Farm Programs: Cover Crops, Livestock Waste & Great Lakes EQIP
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Quick Facts
| Farms & Ranches | ~56,800 (2022 USDA Census) |
| Top Commodities | Corn, soybeans, hogs, poultry, dairy, cattle & calves, eggs |
| Total Ag Land | ~14.8 million acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~261 acres |
| EQIP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area , contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| CSP FY2026 Application Deadline | Varies by area , contact your local NRCS office for current batching dates |
| State NRCS Office | (317) 290-3200 · Indianapolis, IN |
Federal Programs in Indiana
Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state , each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Indiana. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.
EQIP in Indiana
Indiana EQIP Priorities:
- Soil health on cropland (cover crops, reduced tillage)
- Water quality protection
- Grazing management
- Livestock waste management
- Nutrient management
- Drainage water management
Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:
- Cross-fencing for rotational grazing
- Livestock water development
- Prescribed grazing systems
- Waste management systems
- Heavy use area protection
- Nutrient management
- Cover crops in crop-livestock rotations
EQIP in Indiana , What to Ask About: Indiana participates in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which provides dedicated EQIP funding for water quality practices in priority Great Lakes watersheds in the northern part of the state. GLRI focuses on reducing nutrient and sediment delivery to surface water. For livestock operations, EQIP can assist with nutrient management, waste storage, prescribed grazing, and fencing. Ask your local NRCS office which GLRI priority watersheds and other initiatives apply to your area.
Indiana EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Indiana NRCS website.
CSP in Indiana
CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.
FSA Programs in Indiana
Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Indiana.
Key FSA Programs:
- Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
- Microloans (up to $50,000 , simplified application)
- Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) : Flooding, tornado, drought, and severe storm losses
- ELAP , covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) : triggered by drought monitor conditions
Indiana FSA State Office: (317) 290-3315
Indiana-Specific Programs
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
Indiana has 92 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Website: in.gov/isda
Indiana Beef Cattle Association
Website: indianabeef.org
Indiana Tax Provisions for Ag
- Agricultural Land Assessment: Based on soil productivity , Indiana uses a detailed soil-based valuation system.
- State Income Tax: Flat rate of 3.05% (among the lowest flat rates). Farm income is subject to state tax. County income taxes add 1-3%.
- Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment, livestock, feed, and agricultural inputs are exempt from Indiana sales tax.
RCPP in Indiana
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.
ACEP in Indiana
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.
Resources
USDA Offices
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
State Resources
- Purdue Extension: extension.purdue.edu
- Indiana Beef Cattle Association: indianabeef.org
- Indiana Farm Bureau: infarmbureau.org
Key Deadlines (FY2026)
Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.
| Program | Typical Deadline Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EQIP Primary Batching | Nov–Feb (varies by area) | Check with local NRCS for exact date |
| CSP Ranking | Varies | Check state ranking dates page |
| CRP General Sign-up | When announced by FSA | Not always open every year |
| LFP (Livestock Forage) | Automatic when drought triggers | Monitor drought conditions |
| LIP (Livestock Indemnity) | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
| ELAP | 30 days after loss to file notice | Don't miss this window |
Your Next Steps in Indiana
- Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
- Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
- Cover crops and soil health are Indiana's top EQIP priorities
- Southern Indiana livestock producers should focus on grazing management applications
Tools for Indiana Ranchers
Run the numbers before your next USDA visit. Each tool takes 2–3 minutes.
County Guides (92 counties)
Each county guide includes local USDA office information, relevant programs, and conservation priorities specific to that area.
Built by ranchers who've been through it. Every guide on this site is free.