Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hocking County
Hocking County lies in the Western Allegheny Plateau (MLRA 124) region. Elevation averages about 894 feet.
Hocking County averages 42.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.4°F.
Hocking County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 449 farms working 40,976 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,114 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Deer, Poultry |
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 Hocking County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
148 N Homer Ave, Logan, OH 43138
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
69 S Plains Rd, The Plains, OH 45780
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.
Forage and Grazing in Hocking County
Hocking County reported 1,114 head of cattle across roughly 5,572 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Hocking County.
Farm Structure in Hocking County
Hocking County reports about 64 acres under irrigation. Farms average 91 acres, with about 29% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Hocking County
Given the operation mix in Hocking 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 brush management for rangeland. 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 Hocking County Operations
Based on Hocking County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support pasture improvement and erosion control on steep slopes while encouraging diversification into agritourism and specialty markets. The county emphasizes woodland management, wildlife habitat enhancement, and sustainable grazing practices suited to the challenging terrain and limited agricultural land base.
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 Hocking County
Hocking County shares borders with Athens County, Ohio, Fairfield County, Ohio, Perry County, Ohio, Pickaway County, Ohio, Ross County, Ohio, and Vinton 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 Hocking 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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