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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Lassen County
Lassen County lies in the Klamath and Shasta Valleys and Basins (MLRA 21) region. Elevation averages about 7,048 feet.
Lassen County averages 19.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.4°F.
Lassen County's agricultural base centers on cattle, equine, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 419 farms working 593,950 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 43,336 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Sheep, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Lassen County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
44327 Highway 299e, Mcarthur, CA 96056
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
170 Russell Ave Ste C, Susanville, CA 96130
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.
Forage and Grazing in Lassen County
Lassen County reported 43,336 head of cattle across roughly 398,033 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a May growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Lassen County.
Farm Structure in Lassen County
Irrigation covers about 14% of farmland in Lassen County, roughly 82,674 acres. Farms average 1,418 acres, with about 30% classed as small operations. Around 19% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Lassen County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Lassen County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Lassen County Operations
Based on Lassen County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland management programs focus on sustainable grazing practices and wildlife habitat improvement. Drought assistance and weather-related support address challenges of high-elevation farming with extreme seasonal variations.
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 Lassen County
Lassen County shares borders with Modoc County, California, Plumas County, California, Shasta County, California, Sierra County, California, and Washoe 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 Lassen 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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