Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Clay County lies in the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 576 feet.
Clay County averages 45.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.2°F.
Clay County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 486 farms working 168,912 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,364 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
551 E. Us Hwy 40 Suite B, Brazil, IN 47834
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 Clay County
Clay County reported 1,364 head of cattle across roughly 2,430 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a August 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 Clay County.
Farm Structure in Clay County
Clay County reports about 637 acres under irrigation. Farms average 348 acres, with about 30% classed as small operations. Around 26% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Clay County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP enrollment emphasizes soil health improvements on challenging clay soils. EQIP supports pasture improvements and stream protection in rolling agricultural watersheds.
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 Clay County
Clay County shares borders with Greene County, Indiana, Owen County, Indiana, Parke County, Indiana, Putnam County, Indiana, Sullivan County, Indiana, and Vigo County, Indiana. 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 Clay County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Indiana guide: Indiana Farm Programs Guide
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