Pike County, Ohio: USDA programs and conservation funding

478
Farms & Ranches
88K
Acres in Agriculture
183
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Field Crops, Other, Milk, Tomatoes
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pike County, Ohio has 478 farms working 87,549 agricultural acres (average 183 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Field Crops, Other. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

← Ohio Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Pike County

Pike County is part of the Western Allegheny Plateau land resource region (MLRA 124). The county's mean elevation is about 877 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Pike County sees 43.5 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 53.6°F mean annual temperature.

Pike County carries 1,693 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 9,597 acres. 478 farms operate in the county, averaging 183 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionSouth Central Ohio
Top CommoditiesCorn, Vegetables, Dairy, Horses, Poultry, Goats

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 Pike County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

12167a State Route 104, Lucasville, OH 45648

(740) 259-3075

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 Pike County Operations

Based on Pike County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs address erosion control on sloped cropland through terracing and conservation tillage practices. Pasture improvement focuses on rotational grazing and forage quality enhancement on the rolling grazing lands.

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 Pike County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Adams County, Ohio, Highland County, Ohio, Jackson County, Ohio, Ross County, Ohio, and Scioto County, Ohio. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Pike County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Ohio guide: Ohio Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.50
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.92
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pike County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.