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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County is part of the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains land resource region (MLRA 127). The county's mean elevation is about 1,507 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Jefferson County sees 45.3 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 47.8°F mean annual temperature.
Jefferson County carries 3,878 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 8,916 acres. 483 farms operate in the county, averaging 163 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | West-central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
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 Jefferson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
478 Jeffers St, Dubois, PA 15801
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 Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management practices integrated with agricultural activities emphasize sustainable land use in this heavily wooded county. Water quality protection programs focus on the Clarion River 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Jefferson County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Elk County, Pennsylvania, Forest County, Pennsylvania, and Indiana County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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