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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Elevation across Monroe County averages about 1,150 feet. The county falls within the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains (MLRA 140) land resource region.
The growing season in Monroe County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 51.9 inches per year. January lows average around 17°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 245 farms in Monroe County, operating across 23,193 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 95 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Monroe County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1300 Old Plank Rd, Mayfield, PA 18433
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3910 Adler Place, Suite #110, Bethlehem, PA 18017
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 Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs work to protect remaining agricultural land from development pressure. Programs support agritourism and direct marketing to serve the growing residential population.
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 Monroe County: Sussex County, New Jersey, Warren County, New Jersey, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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