← Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Northampton County
Northampton County sits within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) region. Elevation averages about 517 feet.
Temperatures in Northampton County range from a January mean low of 19°F to a July mean high near 85°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.2 inches. Expect about 244 frost-free days.
Northampton County ran 421 farms, 56,138 acres of farmland, and 1,638 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables |
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 Northampton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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 Northampton County Operations
Based on Northampton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs work to maintain agricultural land near major population centers. Programs support specialty agriculture and sustainable practices for farms serving urban markets.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Warren County, New Jersey, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Northampton 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.