Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Owen County
Owen County lies in the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 745 feet.
Owen County averages 46.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.0°F.
Owen County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 435 farms working 76,206 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,367 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Owen County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1007 Mill Pond Ln Ste C, Greencastle, IN 46135
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1931 Liberty Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
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 Owen County
Owen County reported 3,367 head of cattle across roughly 6,041 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Owen County.
Farm Structure in Owen County
Owen County reports about 181 acres under irrigation. Farms average 175 acres, with about 21% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Owen County
Given the operation mix in Owen County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Owen County Operations
Based on Owen County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Pasture and woodland management practices are emphasized to optimize limited agricultural land. Erosion control structures are needed on steeper slopes to maintain soil productivity.
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
Counties Bordering Owen County
Owen County shares borders with Clay County, Indiana, Greene County, Indiana, Monroe County, Indiana, Morgan County, Indiana, and Putnam County, Indiana. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Owen 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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