Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Scott County
Elevation across Scott County averages about 582 feet. The county falls within the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) land resource region.
The growing season in Scott County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 48.1 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 283 farms in Scott County, operating across 45,293 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 160 acres. Top commodities include corn, cattle, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Goats |
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 Scott County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
656 S Boatman Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170
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 Scott County
The forage year in Scott County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 2,868 acres of pastureland and 804 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Scott County
About 22% of Scott County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 30% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 160 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Scott County
Given the operation mix in Scott 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 Scott County Operations
Based on Scott County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Steep slope management and erosion control are primary conservation concerns throughout the hilly county. Crop diversification assistance helps farmers reduce dependence on 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Scott County: Clark County, Indiana, Jackson County, Indiana, Jefferson County, Indiana, Jennings County, Indiana, and Washington County, Indiana. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Scott 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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