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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montour County
Montour County lies in the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) region. Elevation averages about 747 feet.
Montour County averages 43.5 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.1°F.
Montour County's agricultural base centers on soybeans, corn, and milk. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 257 farms working 30,229 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,538 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Montour County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
702 Sawmill Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
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 Montour County Operations
Based on Montour County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Susquehanna River watershed programs emphasize nutrient management and stream protection in this small but agriculturally intensive county. Conservation practices focus on maintaining water quality while supporting productive farming.
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
Counties Bordering Montour County
Montour County shares borders with Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, and Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Montour 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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