Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Putnam County lies in the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) region. Elevation averages about 681 feet.
Putnam County averages 44.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.9°F.
Putnam County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 728 farms working 174,378 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 2,924 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Dairy |
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 Putnam County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1007 Mill Pond Ln Ste C, Greencastle, IN 46135
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Soil conservation and water quality protection drive most conservation activities in this productive agricultural county. Cover crop adoption is increasing to improve soil health between cash crops.
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 Putnam County
Putnam County shares borders with Clay County, Indiana, Hendricks County, Indiana, Montgomery County, Indiana, Morgan County, Indiana, Owen County, Indiana, and Parke 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 Putnam 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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