County offices are best found through each agency's locator. Our directory is curated, not a complete list of local providers. All Pennsylvania resources
Pennsylvania's land-grant Extension service, with articles and county offices covering agriculture, forestry and farm business.
Cooperative ExtensionServes: Statewide (Pennsylvania), through county officesFind a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
Penn State's fee-based lab for soils, water, plants, manure, compost and other agricultural materials. Its soil fertility program is meant for farmers, homeowners and others who want lime and fertilizer recommendations for a crop.
Tests listed by the lab: soil fertility (pH, lime requirement, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium), environmental soil testing, plant tissue analysis, manure testing, compost testing, drinking water testing, corn silage nitrate, greenhouse soilless media
Submitting samples: A test kit is not required; the soil fertility page explains how to submit a sample and add optional tests.
Sampling and submission instructions · Current fees
Soil and plant testing labsServes: Pennsylvania (open to the general public as well as University faculty and staff)Office: University Park, PAVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
National Association of Conservation Districts directory page with a way to find your local conservation district. Districts are local groups that often work with landowners and NRCS on soil, water and conservation questions.
Soil and conservationServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
List of state coordinators who help new farmers and ranchers find USDA programs. The page asks you to reach out with details such as the location of your operation, so have a county or parcel in mind.
USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
Farmers.gov explains what a USDA Service Center is and how to get started there. Service centers are where a buyer or new farmer can reach Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development staff.
USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideFind a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
USDA NASS Pennsylvania page for machinery custom rate publications, which Penn State Extension's machinery guidance links to. A state reference for custom work rates in the region.
Equipment, rental and custom hireServes: PennsylvaniaVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
Penn State Extension resources on farm structures and farm equipment safety, covering manure storage, silos, tractors, trailers, ponds, ventilation and sprayers. A starting point for questions about the structures on a farm.
Buildings and farm infrastructureServes: Pennsylvania (concepts apply widely)Verified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
Penn State Extension hub on buying and leasing farmland and equipment, equipment maintenance and emerging technology. Useful for comparing buy, lease and share options.
Training and business planningServes: Pennsylvania (concepts apply widely)Verified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction
Penn State Extension article on matching machinery size and type to the job at the right time for the least cost. Reads as an introduction to ownership cost thinking before buying equipment.
Training and business planningServes: Pennsylvania (concepts apply widely)Verified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction