Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jennings County
Jennings County is part of the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 114). The county's mean elevation is about 739 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Jennings County sees 48.2 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.2°F mean annual temperature.
Jennings County carries 2,878 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,679 acres. 461 farms operate in the county, averaging 246 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Horses, Floriculture, Vegetables |
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 Jennings County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2600 N State Highway 7, North Vernon, IN 47265
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 Jennings County Operations
Based on Jennings County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports livestock facilities and pasture management in rolling terrain. CRP enrollment focuses on erosion-prone slopes and riparian buffers along creek systems.
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 Jennings County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bartholomew County, Indiana, Decatur County, Indiana, Jackson County, Indiana, Jefferson County, Indiana, Ripley County, Indiana, and Scott County, Indiana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Jennings 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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