Martin County, Indiana: USDA programs and conservation funding

249
Farms & Ranches
58K
Acres in Agriculture
233
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$2.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Martin County, Indiana has 249 farms working 57,900 agricultural acres (average 233 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $2.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Hogs, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Martin County

Martin County is part of the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northwestern Part land resource region (MLRA 120B). The county's mean elevation is about 623 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Martin County sees 49.4 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 54.1°F mean annual temperature.

Martin County carries 1,226 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,316 acres. 249 farms operate in the county, averaging 233 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Indiana
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Wheat

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 Martin County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

2524 E National Hwy, Washington, IN 47501

(812) 254-4780

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 Martin County Operations

Based on Martin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation efforts focus on erosion control on steep slopes and water quality protection in karst areas. Livestock waste management systems are commonly supported through EQIP funding.

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 Martin County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Daviess County, Indiana, Dubois County, Indiana, Greene County, Indiana, Lawrence County, Indiana, and Orange County, Indiana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Martin County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Indiana guide: Indiana Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water DevelopmentCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.64
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.90
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Martin County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.