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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Carbon County
Carbon County is part of the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 147). The county's mean elevation is about 1,443 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Carbon County sees 51.8 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 48.4°F mean annual temperature.
Carbon County carries 456 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 725 acres. 167 farms operate in the county, averaging 137 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Carbon County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
702 Sawmill Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3910 Adler Place, Suite #110, Bethlehem, PA 18017
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices
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 Carbon County Operations
Based on Carbon County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs address steep slope stabilization and forest-agriculture interface management. Focus on sustainable practices for limited agricultural areas within the Pocono Mountains ecosystem.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Carbon County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Carbon 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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