Nome County, Alaska: USDA programs and conservation funding

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Nome Census Area

Elevation across Nome Census Area averages about 1,345 feet. The county falls within the Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands (MLRA 240) land resource region.

The growing season in Nome Census Area spans roughly 153 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 16.0 inches per year. January lows average around -5°F while July highs reach about 60°F.


Quick Facts

RegionWestern Alaska
Top CommoditiesGreenhouse vegetables, Root crops, Berries

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 Nome Census Area.

NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)

590 University Ave, Suite B, Fairbanks, AK 99709

(907) 479-3159

FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)

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

(907) 895-4241

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 Nome Census Area Operations

Based on Nome Census Area's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Programs support food security initiatives and subsistence production in extremely challenging arctic conditions. Focus on permafrost management, season extension, and supporting traditional food systems with limited agricultural supplements.

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

Adjacent Counties

Counties bordering Nome Census Area: Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Nome Census Area

  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.

Vegetation Baseline

-0.06
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.64
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Nome 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.