Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Parke County
Elevation across Parke County averages about 678 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in Parke County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.1 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 646 farms in Parke County, operating across 174,867 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 271 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Poultry, 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 Parke County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
252 S Ridgewood Dr, Rockville, IN 47872
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 Parke County
The forage year in Parke County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,671 acres of pastureland and 4,648 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Parke County
About 19% of Parke County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 24% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 271 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Parke County
Parke County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Parke County Operations
Based on Parke County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Streambank stabilization and riparian buffers are priorities along the numerous waterways. Conservation tillage adoption helps protect soil resources on the county's rolling cropland.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Parke County: Clay County, Indiana, Fountain County, Indiana, Montgomery County, Indiana, Putnam County, Indiana, Vermillion County, Indiana, and Vigo County, Indiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Parke 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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