Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Highland County
Highland County sits within the Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain (MLRA 114) region. Elevation averages about 1,057 feet.
Temperatures in Highland County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 84°F. Annual precipitation averages 44.9 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Highland County ran 1,188 farms, 227,859 acres of farmland, and 7,819 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Vegetables |
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 Highland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
514 Harry Sauner Rd, Hillsboro, OH 45133
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 Highland County Operations
Based on Highland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address both row crop soil conservation and pasture management needs across the diverse terrain. The county supports rotational grazing systems, cover crop adoption, and water quality protection practices while helping farmers adapt to varying soil productivity and topographic challenges.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Adams County, Ohio, Brown County, Ohio, Clinton County, Ohio, Fayette County, Ohio, Pike County, Ohio, and Ross County, Ohio. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Highland 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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