Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Elevation across Union County averages about 1,000 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in Union County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.2 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 194 farms in Union County, operating across 69,029 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 356 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Indiana |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Maple syrup |
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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2590 N Park Rd, Connersville, IN 47331
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 Union County
The forage year in Union County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,472 acres of pastureland and 607 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Union County
About 22% of Union County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 25% of farms are small and 15% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 356 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Union County
Given the operation mix in Union 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 Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on supporting small family farms through cost-share assistance and beginning farmer initiatives. Conservation efforts emphasize maintaining soil health and preventing erosion on the gently sloping terrain.
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 Union County: Fayette County, Indiana, Franklin County, Indiana, Wayne County, Indiana, Butler County, Ohio, and Preble County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Union 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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