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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Potter County
Potter County lies in the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains (MLRA 127) region. Elevation averages about 2,399 feet.
Potter County averages 43.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.0°F.
Potter County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 417 farms working 103,315 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 10,155 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Wheat, Maple syrup |
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 Potter County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
103 Market St, Coudersport, PA 16915
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 Potter County
Potter County reported 10,155 head of cattle across roughly 9,176 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June 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 Potter County.
Farm Structure in Potter County
Potter County reports about 68 acres under irrigation. Farms average 248 acres, with about 13% classed as small operations. Around 21% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Potter County
Potter County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were milk, cattle, and grain. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage; and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Potter County Operations
Based on Potter County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts prioritize soil erosion control on steep slopes and stream bank stabilization in mountainous terrain. Forest management practices integrate with agricultural operations to maintain watershed protection and wildlife habitat.
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 Potter County
Potter County shares borders with Allegany County, New York, Steuben County, New York, Cameron County, Pennsylvania, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, and McKean 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 Potter 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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