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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 2026-04-14
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 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.
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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