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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County sits within the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys (MLRA 147) region. Elevation averages about 904 feet.
Temperatures in Schuylkill County range from a January mean low of 19°F to a July mean high near 82°F. Annual precipitation averages 50.2 inches. Expect about 244 frost-free days.
Schuylkill County ran 710 farms, 103,511 acres of farmland, and 3,884 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, milk, and soybeans.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Dairy, Soybeans, Cattle & calves, 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 Schuylkill County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1104 Ag Center Dr, Pottsville, PA 17901
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 Schuylkill County Operations
Based on Schuylkill County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize reclamation and improvement of former mining areas for agricultural use and wildlife habitat. Water quality protection focuses on acid mine drainage mitigation and nutrient management in agricultural watersheds.
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 Berks County, Pennsylvania, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Schuylkill 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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