Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lawrence County
Lawrence County is part of the Highland Rim and Pennyroyal land resource region (MLRA 122). The county's mean elevation is about 501 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lawrence County sees 48.6 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.7°F mean annual temperature.
Lawrence County carries 7,575 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 24,834 acres. 706 farms operate in the county, averaging 166 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Goats |
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 Lawrence County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1919 Steven Ave, Bedford, IN 47421
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 Lawrence County Operations
Based on Lawrence County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
CRP addresses steep slope erosion and provides wildlife habitat in forested hill country. EQIP supports livestock water systems and pasture management in karst terrain.
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 Lawrence County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Greene County, Indiana, Jackson County, Indiana, Martin County, Indiana, Monroe County, Indiana, Orange County, Indiana, and Washington County, Indiana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lawrence 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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