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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Forest County
Forest County lies in the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 127) region. Elevation averages about 1,811 feet.
Forest County averages 46.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.5°F.
Forest County's agricultural base centers on sheep and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 46 farms working 5,781 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 666 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Sheep, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Forest County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
22631 Route 68, Clarion, PA 16214
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 Forest County Operations
Based on Forest County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize forest management practices that support limited grazing and maple syrup production. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality in the heavily forested watershed.
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 Forest County
Forest County shares borders with Clarion County, Pennsylvania, Elk County, Pennsylvania, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Venango County, Pennsylvania, and Warren 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 Forest 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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