Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ripley County
Ripley County lies in the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 973 feet.
Ripley County averages 47.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.4°F.
Ripley County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 835 farms working 175,750 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,969 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, 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 Ripley County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1981 S Industrial Park Rd, Versailles, IN 47042
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 Ripley County
Ripley County reported 3,969 head of cattle across roughly 8,550 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 Ripley County.
Farm Structure in Ripley County
Ripley County reports about 416 acres under irrigation. Farms average 210 acres, with about 26% classed as small operations. Around 22% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Ripley County
Given the operation mix in Ripley 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 waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. 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 Ripley County Operations
Based on Ripley County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Erosion control on sloping cropland requires terraces, grassed waterways, and conservation tillage practices. Pasture improvement programs help optimize livestock production on hill ground.
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 Ripley County
Ripley County shares borders with Dearborn County, Indiana, Decatur County, Indiana, Franklin County, Indiana, Jefferson County, Indiana, Jennings County, Indiana, and Ohio 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 Ripley 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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