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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Centre County
Elevation across Centre County averages about 1,165 feet. The county falls within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) land resource region.
The growing season in Centre County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.5 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 892 farms in Centre County, operating across 122,251 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 137 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Centre County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
216 Spring Run Rd, Mill Hall, PA 17751
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 Centre County
The forage year in Centre County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 8,247 acres of pastureland and 11,684 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Centre County
About 23% of Centre County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 32% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 137 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Centre County
Centre 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 Centre County Operations
Based on Centre County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs benefit from Penn State research integration and focus on innovative conservation practices and sustainable agriculture. Emphasis on educational demonstration projects and advanced nutrient management systems for dairy 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 Centre County: Blair County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and Union County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Centre 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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