Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Elevation across Putnam County averages about 729 feet. The county falls within the Erie-Huron Lake Plain (MLRA 99) land resource region.
The growing season in Putnam County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.5 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,471 farms in Putnam County, operating across 306,504 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 208 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Wheat |
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 Putnam County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1601 E 4th St, Lima, OH 45804
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1800 N Perry St, Ottawa, OH 45875
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.
Forage and Grazing in Putnam County
The forage year in Putnam County runs from green-up in June to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 518 acres of pastureland and 6,219 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Putnam County
About 23% of Putnam County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 23% of farms are small and 7% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 208 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Putnam County
Given the operation mix in Putnam County, the practices that most often come up are waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage water management programs optimize crop production while reducing nutrient loss through controlled drainage systems. Conservation practices emphasize precision agriculture and constructed wetlands to protect downstream water quality.
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 Putnam County: Allen County, Ohio, Defiance County, Ohio, Hancock County, Ohio, Henry County, Ohio, Paulding County, Ohio, and Van Wert County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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