Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Portage County
Elevation across Portage County averages about 1,091 feet. The county falls within the Lake Erie Glaciated Plateau (MLRA 139) land resource region.
The growing season in Portage County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 41.1 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 927 farms in Portage County, operating across 85,762 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 93 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
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 Portage County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
520 W Main St, Cortland, OH 44410
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
6970 State Route 88, Ravenna, OH 44266
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 Portage County Operations
Based on Portage County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support sustainable practices on farms serving metropolitan markets including organic certification assistance and high tunnel production. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality in the Cuyahoga River headwaters through riparian buffers.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Portage County: Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Geauga County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Stark County, Ohio, Summit County, Ohio, and Trumbull County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Portage 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.