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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Northumberland County
Northumberland County lies in the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) region. Elevation averages about 566 feet.
Northumberland County averages 43.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 50.3°F.
Northumberland County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 724 farms working 122,483 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 5,828 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Pennsylvania |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Corn, Soybeans, Hogs, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Northumberland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
441 Plum Creek Rd, Sunbury, PA 17801
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 Northumberland County
Northumberland County reported 5,828 head of cattle across roughly 6,032 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Northumberland County.
Farm Structure in Northumberland County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Northumberland County, roughly 1,174 acres. Farms average 169 acres, with about 31% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Northumberland County
Northumberland County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, milk, and corn. 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 Northumberland County Operations
Based on Northumberland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Susquehanna River watershed programs focus on protecting water quality through conservation practices and nutrient management. Mine land reclamation projects sometimes incorporate agricultural uses with specialized practices.
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 Northumberland County
Northumberland County shares borders with Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Montour County, Pennsylvania, and Perry 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 Northumberland 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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