Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jay County
Jay County is part of the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 111). The county's mean elevation is about 917 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Jay County sees 40.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 51.2°F mean annual temperature.
Jay County carries 8,032 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,435 acres. 801 farms operate in the county, averaging 248 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Jay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1331 W State Road 67, Portland, IN 47371
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 Jay County Operations
Based on Jay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CSP promotes cover crops and advanced nutrient management practices. EQIP supports livestock facility improvements and precision agriculture technology adoption.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Jay County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Indiana, Blackford County, Indiana, Delaware County, Indiana, Randolph County, Indiana, Wells County, Indiana, and Darke County, Ohio. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Jay 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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