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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Union County
Union County is part of the Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys land resource region (MLRA 147). The county's mean elevation is about 666 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Union County sees 43.6 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 50.0°F mean annual temperature.
Union County carries 10,939 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 2,599 acres. 483 farms operate in the county, averaging 128 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Hogs, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Union County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
405 W Market St, Middleburg, PA 17842
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 Union County Operations
Based on Union County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts emphasize precision agriculture and nutrient management in intensive crop and dairy systems. Programs support cover cropping and no-till practices to protect soil health and water quality in the Susquehanna 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 Union County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Centre County, Pennsylvania, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Snyder County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Union 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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