Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Licking County
Licking County is part of the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain land resource region (MLRA 111). The county's mean elevation is about 1,068 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Licking County sees 41.9 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 51.5°F mean annual temperature.
Licking County carries 9,117 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 18,408 acres. 1,532 farms operate in the county, averaging 135 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Wheat |
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 Licking County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
771 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055
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 Licking County Operations
Based on Licking County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address both intensive crop production needs and livestock operation requirements with emphasis on soil health and water quality. The county supports farmland preservation efforts and sustainable agriculture practices while accommodating growth pressure from nearby Columbus metropolitan area development.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Licking County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Coshocton County, Ohio, Delaware County, Ohio, Fairfield County, Ohio, Franklin County, Ohio, Knox County, Ohio, and Muskingum County, Ohio. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Licking County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Ohio guide: Ohio Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.