Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Spencer County
Elevation across Spencer County averages about 467 feet. The county falls within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Northwestern Part (MLRA 120B) land resource region.
The growing season in Spencer County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 49.4 inches per year. January lows average around 25°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 558 farms in Spencer County, operating across 162,031 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 290 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Dairy |
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 Spencer 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.
Forage and Grazing in Spencer County
The forage year in Spencer County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 9,923 acres of pastureland and 3,731 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Spencer County
About 24% of Spencer County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 9% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 290 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Spencer County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Spencer County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Spencer County Operations
Based on Spencer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices focus on protecting soil resources on sloping terrain and maintaining water quality. Forest management and wildlife habitat programs complement agricultural land uses.
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 Spencer County: Dubois County, Indiana, Perry County, Indiana, Warrick County, Indiana, Daviess County, Kentucky, and Hancock County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Spencer 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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