Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Crawford County
Crawford County lies in the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northwestern Part (MLRA 120B) region. Elevation averages about 659 feet.
Crawford County averages 50.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.1°F.
Crawford County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 374 farms working 68,274 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,688 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, 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 Crawford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1855 Gardner Ln NW, Corydon, IN 47112
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 Crawford County
Crawford County reported 1,688 head of cattle across roughly 7,896 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May 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 Crawford County.
Farm Structure in Crawford County
Crawford County reports about 50 acres under irrigation. Farms average 183 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 18% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Crawford County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Crawford 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 waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). 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 Crawford County Operations
Based on Crawford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP prioritizes erosion control and pasture management on steep slopes and fragile karst soils. CRP and CREP enrollment focuses on forest buffers and wildlife habitat in sensitive 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 Crawford County
Crawford County shares borders with Dubois County, Indiana, Harrison County, Indiana, Orange County, Indiana, Perry County, Indiana, Washington County, Indiana, and Meade County, Kentucky. 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 Crawford 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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