Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shelby County
Shelby County is part of the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 111). The county's mean elevation is about 747 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Shelby County sees 44.7 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.0°F mean annual temperature.
Shelby County carries 1,347 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,261 acres. 548 farms operate in the county, averaging 383 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Shelby County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2779 South 840 West, Manilla, IN 46150
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 Shelby County Operations
Based on Shelby County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Precision agriculture adoption is high due to productive soils and progressive farming operations. Nutrient management planning addresses intensive crop production and livestock operations.
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 Shelby County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Bartholomew County, Indiana, Decatur County, Indiana, Hancock County, Indiana, Johnson County, Indiana, Marion County, Indiana, and Rush County, Indiana. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Shelby 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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