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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Adams County
Elevation across Adams County averages about 507 feet. The county falls within the Northern Piedmont (MLRA 148) land resource region.
The growing season in Adams County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.9 inches per year. January lows average around 22°F while July highs reach about 86°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,243 farms in Adams County, operating across 183,184 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 147 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Horses, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 14+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Adams County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
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 Adams County Operations
Based on Adams County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Strong emphasis on orchard management practices and integrated pest management for fruit production. Conservation programs focus on soil health improvement in sloped terrain and water quality protection near Gettysburg National Military Park.
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 Adams County: Carroll County, Maryland, Frederick County, Maryland, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and York County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Adams County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Pennsylvania guide: Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide
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