Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orange County
Orange County sits within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northwestern Part (MLRA 120B) region. Elevation averages about 727 feet.
Temperatures in Orange County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.6 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Orange County ran 425 farms, 95,336 acres of farmland, and 3,014 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Orange County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
573 SE Main St, Paoli, IN 47454
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 Orange County Operations
Based on Orange County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management and pasture improvement are key conservation activities in this heavily wooded county. Water system development for livestock is frequently needed due to karst geology.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Crawford County, Indiana, Dubois County, Indiana, Lawrence County, Indiana, Martin County, Indiana, and Washington County, Indiana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Orange 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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