Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hancock County
Elevation across Hancock County averages about 911 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in Hancock County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.5 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 505 farms in Hancock County, operating across 184,430 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 365 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Floriculture |
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 Hancock County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1101 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140
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 Hancock County Operations
Based on Hancock County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP promotes advanced nutrient management and cover crops on highly productive soils. EQIP supports modern grain storage and handling infrastructure improvements.
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 Hancock County: Hamilton County, Indiana, Henry County, Indiana, Madison County, Indiana, Marion County, Indiana, Rush County, Indiana, and Shelby County, Indiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hancock 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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