Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Perry County
Perry 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 570 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Perry County sees 50.3 in of rain, a 306-day growing season, a 55.9°F mean annual temperature.
Perry County carries 3,317 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 7,969 acres. 417 farms operate in the county, averaging 159 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Poultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Perry County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
996 N State Road 66, Rockport, IN 47635
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 Perry County Operations
Based on Perry County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope management and erosion control are critical conservation needs throughout the county. Crop diversification programs help farmers reduce dependence on traditional tobacco production.
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 Perry County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Crawford County, Indiana, Dubois County, Indiana, Spencer County, Indiana, Breckinridge County, Kentucky, Hancock County, Kentucky, and Meade County, Kentucky. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Perry 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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