← Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County is part of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains land resource region (MLRA 140). The county's mean elevation is about 1,035 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Lackawanna County sees 45.2 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 47.3°F mean annual temperature.
Lackawanna County carries 764 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,704 acres. 277 farms operate in the county, averaging 139 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeastern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, 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 Lackawanna County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1300 Old Plank Rd, Mayfield, PA 18433
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 Lackawanna County Operations
Based on Lackawanna County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture and farmland preservation programs help maintain farming near population centers. Programs emphasize specialty crop production and direct marketing opportunities for small farms.
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 Lackawanna County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Lackawanna County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Pennsylvania guide: Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.