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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Blair County
Blair County lies in the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) region. Elevation averages about 1,366 feet.
Blair County averages 42.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 49.6°F.
Blair County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 456 farms working 95,605 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 31,124 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Soybeans, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Blair County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1407 Blair St, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
10605 Raystown Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652
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 Blair County Operations
Based on Blair County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize steep slope stabilization and pasture management in mountainous terrain. Focus on sustainable practices for limited valley farmland and integration of forestry 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
Counties Bordering Blair County
Blair County shares borders with Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Centre County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. 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 Blair 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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