Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Stark County
Elevation across Stark County averages about 1,078 feet. The county falls within the Lake Erie Glaciated Plateau (MLRA 139) land resource region.
The growing season in Stark County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 40.8 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,431 farms in Stark County, operating across 125,207 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 87 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Poultry, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, 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 Stark County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2650 Richville Dr SE, Massillon, OH 44646
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 Stark County Operations
Based on Stark County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on nutrient management and erosion control in dairy-intensive areas. EQIP funding supports manure storage improvements and cover crop adoption on cash grain operations.
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 Stark County: Carroll County, Ohio, Columbiana County, Ohio, Holmes County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Portage County, Ohio, and Summit County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Stark 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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