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: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 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.
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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