← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Humboldt County
Elevation across Humboldt County averages about 2,502 feet. The county falls within the Coastal Redwood Belt (MLRA 4B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 61.7 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 721 farms in Humboldt County, operating across 544,630 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 755 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and hemp.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Coast |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Sheep |
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 Humboldt County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5630 S Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95503
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 Humboldt County Operations
Based on Humboldt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Grazing management and riparian restoration programs protect salmon habitat and water quality. Organic farming transition assistance supports the county's growing sustainable agriculture sector.
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 Humboldt County: Del Norte County, California, Mendocino County, California, Siskiyou County, California, and Trinity County, California. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Humboldt County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.