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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Juniata County
Elevation across Juniata County averages about 523 feet. The county falls within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) land resource region.
The growing season in Juniata County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.3 inches per year. January lows average around 21°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 514 farms in Juniata County, operating across 85,960 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 167 acres. Top commodities include milk, hogs, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Hogs, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans |
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 Juniata County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
146 Stoney Creek Dr, Mifflintown, PA 17059
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 Juniata County Operations
Based on Juniata County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Chesapeake Bay watershed programs promote nutrient management and stream protection along the Juniata River. Mountain farming initiatives focus on sustainable grazing and erosion control on steep slopes.
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 Juniata County: Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Perry County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Juniata 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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