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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mercer County
Elevation across Mercer County averages about 1,303 feet. The county falls within the Lake Erie Glaciated Plateau (MLRA 139) land resource region.
The growing season in Mercer County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 44.1 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,023 farms in Mercer County, operating across 146,865 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 144 acres. Top commodities include corn, milk, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northwestern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, Horses, Vegetables |
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 Mercer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
24 Avalon Court, Suite 200, Mercer, PA 16137
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 Mercer County
The forage year in Mercer County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 15,331 acres of pastureland and 10,753 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Mercer County
About 24% of Mercer County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 22% 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 144 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Mercer County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Mercer County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Mercer County Operations
Based on Mercer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland and grassland conservation programs take advantage of the county's natural landscape features. Dairy modernization and crop management programs support the diverse agricultural economy.
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 Mercer County: Mahoning County, Ohio, Trumbull County, Ohio, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and Venango County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Mercer 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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