Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dearborn County
Dearborn County lies in the Kentucky Bluegrass (MLRA 121) region. Elevation averages about 884 feet.
Dearborn County averages 45.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.9°F.
Dearborn County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 520 farms working 49,633 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,853 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
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 Dearborn County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
10729 Randall Ave, Aurora, IN 47001
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.
Programs for Dearborn County Operations
Based on Dearborn County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on erosion control and stream protection on steep slopes and sensitive watersheds. CRP enrollment targets filter strips and forest buffers along streams draining to the Ohio River.
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 Dearborn County
Dearborn County shares borders with Franklin County, Indiana, Ohio County, Indiana, Ripley County, Indiana, Boone County, Kentucky, Butler County, Ohio, and Hamilton County, Ohio. 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 Dearborn 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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