Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About DeKalb County
Elevation across DeKalb County averages about 871 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in DeKalb County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.4 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 818 farms in DeKalb County, operating across 191,601 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 234 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Hay, Cattle & calves |
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 DeKalb County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
942 W 15th St, Auburn, IN 46706
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 DeKalb County
The forage year in DeKalb County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,760 acres of pastureland and 3,046 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in DeKalb County
About 20% of DeKalb County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 31% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 234 acres.
What Tends to Fit in DeKalb County
Given the operation mix in DeKalb County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for DeKalb County Operations
Based on DeKalb County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports dairy farm improvements and nutrient management systems. CSP enrollment emphasizes wetland protection and wildlife habitat conservation around natural lake areas.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering DeKalb County: Allen County, Indiana, LaGrange County, Indiana, Noble County, Indiana, Steuben County, Indiana, Defiance County, Ohio, and Williams County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in DeKalb 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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