Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Holmes County
Holmes County sits within the Western Allegheny Plateau (MLRA 124) region. Elevation averages about 817 feet.
Temperatures in Holmes County range from a January mean low of 19°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 41.4 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Holmes County ran 1,736 farms, 184,549 acres of farmland, and 16,975 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses |
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 Holmes County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
724 S 7th St, Coshocton, OH 43812
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
76 W Clinton St, Millersburg, OH 44654
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 Holmes County Operations
Based on Holmes County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs accommodate both traditional Amish farming methods and modern agricultural operations with emphasis on soil health, pasture management, and sustainable practices. The county supports diverse agricultural enterprises including organic production, direct marketing, and value-added processing while maintaining traditional farming knowledge and practices.
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 Ashland County, Ohio, Coshocton County, Ohio, Knox County, Ohio, Stark County, Ohio, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and Wayne County, Ohio. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Holmes 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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