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
| Region | South Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, 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 Martin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2524 E National Hwy, Washington, IN 47501
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 Martin County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Martin County greening up around April and peaking in June. The county carries about 3,316 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Martin County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Martin County at an average farm size of 233 acres, 20% small operations, 23% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 377 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Martin County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Martin County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); 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 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
- 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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