Union County, Ohio: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,020
Farms & Ranches
217K
Acres in Agriculture
212
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Milk
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Union County, Ohio has 1,020 farms working 216,646 agricultural acres (average 212 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Soybeans, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

← Ohio Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Union County

Elevation across Union County averages about 1,037 feet. The county falls within the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) land resource region.

The growing season in Union County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 39.4 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 84°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,020 farms in Union County, operating across 216,646 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 212 acres. Top commodities include soybeans, corn, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral Ohio
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Soybeans, Corn, Hogs, Dairy, Wheat

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 Union County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

18000 St Rt 4, Marysville, OH 43040

(937) 642-6741

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 Union County Operations

Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize precision agriculture adoption and nutrient management on high-yield soils. Cover crop initiatives help protect soil and water quality in this intensively farmed landscape.

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 Union County: Champaign County, Ohio, Delaware County, Ohio, Franklin County, Ohio, Hardin County, Ohio, Logan County, Ohio, and Madison County, Ohio. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Union County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Ohio guide: Ohio Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Water DevelopmentCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.32
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.89
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Union County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.