Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mercer County
Mercer County lies in the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) region. Elevation averages about 865 feet.
Mercer County averages 39.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.1°F.
Mercer County's agricultural base centers on hogs, milk, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,292 farms working 270,984 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 28,967 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans |
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 Mercer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
220 W Livingston St, Celina, OH 45822
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 Mercer County
Mercer County reported 28,967 head of cattle across roughly 1,779 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a July 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 Mercer County.
Farm Structure in Mercer County
Mercer County reports about 288 acres under irrigation. Farms average 210 acres, with about 27% classed as small operations. Around 19% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Mercer County
Mercer County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, hogs, and milk. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Mercer County Operations
Based on Mercer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water quality improvement programs focus on reducing nutrient loading to Grand Lake St. Marys through precision agriculture and drainage water management. Conservation practices emphasize controlled drainage and constructed wetlands.
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 Mercer County
Mercer County shares borders with Adams County, Indiana, Jay County, Indiana, Auglaize County, Ohio, Darke County, Ohio, Shelby County, Ohio, and Van Wert 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 Mercer 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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