Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Brown County
Brown County lies in the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 955 feet.
Brown County averages 46.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.6°F.
Brown County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,103 farms working 177,509 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,330 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southwest Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Tobacco, 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 Brown County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
702 S Main St, Georgetown, OH 45121
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Brown County Operations
Based on Brown County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Transition assistance helps farmers move from tobacco to alternative enterprises like specialty livestock or agritourism. Erosion control and pasture improvement are primary conservation priorities.
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
Counties Bordering Brown County
Brown County shares borders with Bracken County, Kentucky, Mason County, Kentucky, Adams County, Ohio, Clermont County, Ohio, Clinton County, Ohio, and Highland County, Ohio. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Brown County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Ohio guide: Ohio Farm Programs Guide
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