Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Gibson County
Elevation across Gibson County averages about 499 feet. The county falls within the Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes (MLRA 115) land resource region.
The growing season in Gibson County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 48.1 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 477 farms in Gibson County, operating across 248,444 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 521 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwestern Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Dairy, Wheat, 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 Gibson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
229 S 2nd Ave, Princeton, IN 47670
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 Gibson County
The forage year in Gibson County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,793 acres of pastureland and 3,303 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Gibson County
About 23% of Gibson County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 18% of farms are small and 14% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 521 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Gibson County
Gibson County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Gibson County Operations
Based on Gibson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports drainage tile installation and nutrient management in river bottom fields. CRP enrollment focuses on wetland restoration along the Wabash River corridor.
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 Gibson County: Wabash County, Illinois, White County, Illinois, Knox County, Indiana, Pike County, Indiana, Posey County, Indiana, and Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Gibson 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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