Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jasper County
Elevation across Jasper County averages about 693 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in Jasper County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 39.9 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 608 farms in Jasper County, operating across 312,985 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 515 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Hogs, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat |
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 Jasper County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
211 E Drexel Pkwy, Rensselaer, IN 47978
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 Jasper County
The forage year in Jasper County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,273 acres of pastureland and 29,160 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Jasper County
About 23% of Jasper County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% 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 515 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Jasper County
With milk and corn in the mix in Jasper County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); 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 Jasper County Operations
Based on Jasper County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CREP targets wetland restoration in the Kankakee River watershed. EQIP supports drainage infrastructure and nutrient management on highly productive prairie soils.
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 Jasper County: Benton County, Indiana, Lake County, Indiana, LaPorte County, Indiana, Newton County, Indiana, Porter County, Indiana, and Pulaski County, Indiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Jasper 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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