Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Maricopa County
Maricopa County sits within the Sonoran Basin and Range (MLRA 40) region. Elevation averages about 884 feet.
Temperatures in Maricopa County range from a January mean low of 41°F to a July mean high near 105°F. Annual precipitation averages 8.6 inches.
Maricopa County ran 1,527 farms, 502,029 acres of farmland, and 211,779 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Arizona |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Vegetables, Corn, Wheat, Horses, Grain sorghum |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Maricopa County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
12409 W Indian School Rd Bldg B Ste201, Avondale, AZ 85392
This county also has 5 additional NRCS offices. 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 Maricopa County Operations
Based on Maricopa County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP emphasizes water conservation and precision agriculture technologies to maximize efficiency in this water-limited urban interface environment. Beginning Farmer programs support new producers entering high-value specialty crop production near metropolitan markets.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Gila County, Arizona, La Paz County, Arizona, Pima County, Arizona, Pinal County, Arizona, Yavapai County, Arizona, and Yuma County, Arizona. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Maricopa County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Arizona guide: Arizona Farm Programs Guide
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