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Kern County, California

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Southern San Joaquin Valley extends from valley floor to Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains. Desert areas, oil fields, and irrigated farmlands create a diverse landscape across elevation zones.

Major agricultural producer specializing in grapes, citrus, and nut crops supported by extensive irrigation infrastructure. The county leads in grape production and maintains significant livestock operations alongside intensive crop farming.

Quick Facts
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
Top CommoditiesFruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Berries, Cotton
Farms & Ranches~3,200 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~2,400,000 acres
Average Farm Size~1,400 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Kern County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Kern County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Kern County?"

Your Next Steps in Kern County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide

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