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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Madera County
Madera County lies in the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains (MLRA 22A) region. Elevation averages about 1,868 feet.
Madera County averages 22.4 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 56.7°F.
Madera County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,255 farms working 693,611 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 194,830 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | San Joaquin Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Corn, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Madera County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
425 N Gateway Dr Ste E, Madera, CA 93637
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 Madera County
Madera County reported 194,830 head of cattle across roughly 255,872 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows January green-up and a April 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 Madera County.
Farm Structure in Madera County
Irrigation covers about 48% of farmland in Madera County, roughly 333,171 acres. Farms average 553 acres, with about 25% classed as small operations. Around 23% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Madera County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Madera County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Madera County Operations
Based on Madera County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation programs support efficient irrigation in both tree crops and pasture systems. Soil health practices promote sustainable farming across diverse terrain from valley floor to foothill slopes.
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 Madera County
Madera County shares borders with Fresno County, California, Mariposa County, California, Merced County, California, Mono County, California, and Tuolumne County, California. 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 Madera 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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