← Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide

Berks County, Pennsylvania

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

The Schuylkill River flows eastward through this county of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the northern edge of the Piedmont region. Blue Mountain forms the northern boundary, while urban Reading sits in the central valley surrounded by prime agricultural lands.

Intensive agriculture includes major poultry operations, corn and soybean production, and diverse livestock enterprises on some of the state's most productive soils. Pennsylvania Dutch farming traditions continue with dairy operations, crop rotation systems, and direct marketing of agricultural products.


Quick Facts

RegionSoutheastern Pennsylvania
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Dairy, Corn, Hogs, Cattle & calves, Soybeans
Farms & Ranches~1,800 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~210,000 acres
Average Farm Size~118 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Berks County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.


Programs for Berks County Operations

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

Programs address nutrient management for intensive livestock operations and poultry production facilities. Conservation practices emphasize soil health maintenance and water quality protection in the Schuylkill River watershed.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.


Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Berks County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Berks County?"


Your Next Steps in Berks 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

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