Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hardin County
Elevation across Hardin County averages about 987 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.
The growing season in Hardin County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.7 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 715 farms in Hardin County, operating across 243,914 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 341 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Wheat, Vegetables |
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 Hardin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
12757 State Route 309 W, Kenton, OH 43326
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 Hardin County
The forage year in Hardin County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,340 acres of pastureland and 3,124 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hardin County
About 21% of Hardin County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 29% 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 341 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hardin County
Given the operation mix in Hardin 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 Hardin County Operations
Based on Hardin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize drainage water management and wetland restoration in areas unsuitable for intensive crop production. The county focuses on cover crop adoption and controlled drainage systems to reduce nutrient runoff while maintaining agricultural productivity on the challenging but fertile soils.
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 Hardin County: Allen County, Ohio, Auglaize County, Ohio, Hancock County, Ohio, Logan County, Ohio, Marion County, Ohio, and Union County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hardin 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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