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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bedford County
Elevation across Bedford County averages about 1,328 feet. The county falls within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) land resource region.
The growing season in Bedford 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 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,106 farms in Bedford County, operating across 214,933 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 194 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Soybeans, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Bedford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
702 W Pitt St, Bedford, PA 15522
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.
Forage and Grazing in Bedford County
The forage year in Bedford County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 23,248 acres of pastureland and 19,812 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Bedford County
About 20% of Bedford County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 16% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 194 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Bedford County
Bedford County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, grain, and corn. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Bedford County Operations
Based on Bedford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts emphasize rotational grazing systems in mountain valleys and forest edge management. Programs support water quality improvement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through agricultural best management practices.
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 Bedford County: Allegany County, Maryland, Blair County, Pennsylvania, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Fulton County, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Bedford 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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