Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Van Wert County
Van Wert County lies in the Indiana and Ohio Till Plain (MLRA 111) region. Elevation averages about 789 feet.
Van Wert County averages 39.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.0°F.
Van Wert County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 737 farms working 226,530 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 6,632 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwest Ohio |
| Top Commodities | Soybeans, Corn, Poultry, Hogs, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
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 Van Wert County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
260 Dooley Dr, Paulding, OH 45879
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1189 Professional Dr, Van Wert, OH 45891
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 Van Wert County Operations
Based on Van Wert County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Drainage system maintenance and improvement receive significant EQIP support given the critical nature of tile systems. CREP enrollment focuses on establishing wetlands and buffers in former swampland areas.
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
Counties Bordering Van Wert County
Van Wert County shares borders with Adams County, Indiana, Allen County, Indiana, Allen County, Ohio, Auglaize County, Ohio, Mercer County, Ohio, and Paulding County, Ohio. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Van Wert 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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