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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lycoming County
Elevation across Lycoming County averages about 1,646 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 127) land resource region.
The growing season in Lycoming County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.0 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 918 farms in Lycoming County, operating across 181,550 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 198 acres. Top commodities include corn, hogs, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | North-central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Hogs, Poultry, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
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 Lycoming County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
542 County Farm Rd, Montoursville, PA 17754
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 Lycoming County
The forage year in Lycoming County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 7,121 acres of pastureland and 4,451 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Lycoming County
About 23% of Lycoming County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% 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 198 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Lycoming County
Lycoming County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and hogs. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Lycoming County Operations
Based on Lycoming County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Susquehanna River watershed programs focus on nutrient management and stream protection through conservation practices. Forest-agriculture interface management addresses wildlife habitat and sustainable land use.
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 Lycoming County: Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Montour County, Pennsylvania, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Potter County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Lycoming 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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