Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ross County
Ross County sits within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) region. Elevation averages about 1,017 feet.
Temperatures in Ross County range from a January mean low of 22°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 42.1 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Ross County ran 1,107 farms, 270,703 acres of farmland, and 4,919 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Wheat, Poultry |
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 Ross County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
475 Western Ave, Chillicothe, OH 45601
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 Ross County Operations
Based on Ross County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation practices focus on protecting the fertile valley soils through buffer strips and controlled drainage along the Scioto River. Hillside pasture management emphasizes rotational grazing systems to prevent erosion on sloped terrain.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Fayette County, Ohio, Highland County, Ohio, Hocking County, Ohio, Jackson County, Ohio, Pickaway County, Ohio, and Pike County, Ohio. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Ross 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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