Ohio County, Kentucky: USDA programs and conservation funding

746
Farms & Ranches
139K
Acres in Agriculture
186
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$4.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Ohio County, Kentucky has 746 farms working 138,638 agricultural acres (average 186 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $4.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Ohio County

Elevation across Ohio County averages about 517 feet. The county falls within the Kentucky and Indiana Sandstone and Shale Hills and Valleys, Southern Part (MLRA 120A) land resource region.

The growing season in Ohio County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 50.4 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 89°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 746 farms in Ohio County, operating across 138,638 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 186 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Kentucky
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).

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 Ohio County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

492 State Route 69 N, Hartford, KY 42347

(270) 298-3643

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 Ohio County Operations

Based on Ohio County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

River bottom management includes drainage systems and flood protection measures to optimize crop production on fertile alluvial soils. Conservation practices focus on preventing erosion and nutrient runoff into the Green River system.

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 Ohio County: Breckinridge County, Kentucky, Butler County, Kentucky, Daviess County, Kentucky, Grayson County, Kentucky, Hancock County, Kentucky, and McLean County, Kentucky. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Ohio County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Kentucky guide: Kentucky Farm Programs Guide

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Related program guides

EQIP FencingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.73
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.82
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Ohio County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.