← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kern County
Kern County is part of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys land resource region (MLRA 17). The county's mean elevation is about 1,229 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Kern County sees 9.0 in of rain, a 62.3°F mean annual temperature.
Kern County carries 309,436 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,291,112 acres. 1,691 farms operate in the county, averaging 1,419 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | San Joaquin Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Berries, 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 Kern County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5080 California Avenue, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93309
This county also has 2 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 Kern County Operations
Based on Kern County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Groundwater management and water conservation programs address sustainability challenges in intensive production systems. Air quality improvement initiatives target dust control and emission reduction from large-scale agricultural 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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Kern County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Inyo County, California, Kings County, California, Los Angeles County, California, San Bernardino County, California, San Luis Obispo County, California, and Santa Barbara County, California. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Kern 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.