Armstrong County, Pennsylvania: USDA programs and conservation funding

721
Farms & Ranches
132K
Acres in Agriculture
183
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$6.3M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Grain, Milk, Corn, Field Crops, Other, Cattle
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Armstrong County, Pennsylvania has 721 farms working 131,934 agricultural acres (average 183 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $6.3 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Milk, Corn. Vegetation typically peaks in Jun, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Armstrong County

Elevation across Armstrong County averages about 1,005 feet. The county falls within the Western Allegheny Plateau (MLRA 124) land resource region.

The growing season in Armstrong County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.9 inches per year. January lows average around 19°F while July highs reach about 83°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 721 farms in Armstrong County, operating across 131,934 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 183 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.


Quick Facts

RegionWest Central Pennsylvania
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Vegetables, Horses

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 Armstrong County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

11931 State Route 85, Suites B & C, Kittanning, PA 16201

(724) 545-1022

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 Armstrong County Operations

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

Conservation programs emphasize pasture management on steep slopes and streambank protection along creek systems. Focus on sustainable grazing systems and forest management integration with agricultural 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 Armstrong County: Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, and Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Armstrong County

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

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

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSP

Vegetation Baseline

0.66
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (Jun)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Armstrong 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.