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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About El Dorado County
El Dorado County lies in the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains (MLRA 22A) region. Elevation averages about 4,098 feet.
El Dorado County averages 45.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 54.3°F.
El Dorado County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cut christmas trees, and cut christmas trees & short term woody trees. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,204 farms working 93,239 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 7,449 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sierra Nevada Foothills |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Berries, Vegetables, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 El Dorado County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
100 Forni Rd Ste A, Placerville, CA 95667
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
9701 Dino Dr Ste 190, Elk Grove, CA 95624
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 El Dorado County Operations
Based on El Dorado County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on slope stabilization and fire-resistant farming practices in wildfire-prone areas. Sustainable vineyard management and organic farming initiatives receive strong local support.
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 El Dorado County
El Dorado County shares borders with Alpine County, California, Amador County, California, Placer County, California, Sacramento County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. 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 El Dorado County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
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