← Pennsylvania Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County is part of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains land resource region (MLRA 140). The county's mean elevation is about 1,343 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Susquehanna County sees 45.8 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 46.8°F mean annual temperature.
Susquehanna County carries 7,473 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 22,816 acres. 740 farms operate in the county, averaging 213 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Berries |
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 Susquehanna County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
17089 State Route 706, Ste 2, Montrose, PA 18801
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 Susquehanna County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Susquehanna County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 22,816 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Susquehanna County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Susquehanna County at an average farm size of 213 acres, 11% small operations, 30% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 124 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Susquehanna County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Susquehanna County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Susquehanna County Operations
Based on Susquehanna County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize nutrient management for dairy operations and protection of headwater streams. Initiatives focus on rotational grazing systems and buffer strips to maintain water quality in the Susquehanna River watershed.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Susquehanna County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Broome County, New York, Tioga County, New York, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Susquehanna 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.