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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Fresno County
Fresno County sits within the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys (MLRA 17) region. Elevation averages about 346 feet.
Temperatures in Fresno County range from a January mean low of 32°F to a July mean high near 89°F. Annual precipitation averages 19.5 inches.
Fresno County ran 4,427 farms, 1,659,451 acres of farmland, and 467,371 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, milk, and cotton.
Quick Facts
| Region | San Joaquin Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Poultry, Cotton |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Fresno County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4625 W Jennifer Ave Ste 109, Fresno, CA 93722
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 Fresno County Operations
Based on Fresno County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation and soil health programs address intensive production challenges and groundwater sustainability. Air quality improvement initiatives focus on reducing dust and emissions from large-scale farming operations.
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 Inyo County, California, Kings County, California, Madera County, California, Merced County, California, Mono County, California, and Monterey County, California. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Fresno 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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