Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska: USDA programs and conservation funding

295
Farms & Ranches
101K
Acres in Agriculture
343
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.7M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain, Cut Flowers & Cut Cultivated Greens, Bison
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska has 295 farms working 101,187 agricultural acres (average 343 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.7 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Fairbanks North Star Borough

Fairbanks North Star Borough is part of the Interior Alaska Highlands land resource region (MLRA 231). The county's mean elevation is about 2,072 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Fairbanks North Star Borough sees 16.8 in of rain, a 153-day growing season, a 28.1°F mean annual temperature.

Fairbanks North Star Borough carries 545 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). 295 farms operate in the county, averaging 343 acres each.


Quick Facts

RegionInterior Alaska
Top CommoditiesFloriculture, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Bison

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 Fairbanks North Star Borough.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

Jarvis Bldg,1420 1/2 Alaska Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737

(907) 895-4241

This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. View all offices

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 Fairbanks North Star Borough Operations

Based on Fairbanks North Star Borough's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Programs support grain production and sustainable farming practices adapted to subarctic conditions. Focus includes soil health improvement, crop rotation systems, and infrastructure development for Alaska's primary agricultural region.

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 Fairbanks North Star Borough frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Denali Borough, Alaska, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska, and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Fairbanks North Star Borough

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Alaska guide: Alaska Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPCRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.13
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.83
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Fairbanks North Star County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.