Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Known as the Mat-Su Valley, this area features fertile river bottomlands surrounded by mountain ranges including views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The landscape includes the historic farming areas of Palmer and Wasilla with glacial rivers, boreal forests, and some of Alaska's most productive agricultural soils.
This region represents Alaska's premier agricultural area with large-scale vegetable production, dairy operations, grain farming, and livestock operations taking advantage of long daylight hours and fertile soils. The area produces much of Alaska's fresh vegetables and supports the state's agricultural research and demonstration programs centered in Palmer.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southcentral Alaska |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Hay, Dairy, Barley, Beef cattle |
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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1508 Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
800 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Palmer, AK 99645
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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough Operations
Based on Matanuska-Susitna Borough's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support Alaska's most intensive agricultural production with focus on soil health, crop rotation, and sustainable intensification. Technical assistance includes advanced production techniques, irrigation management, and infrastructure development for Alaska's agricultural hub.
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
Counties Bordering Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough shares borders with Anchorage Municipality, Alaska, Bethel Census Area, Alaska, Denali Borough, Alaska, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska, and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Alaska guide: Alaska Farm Programs Guide
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