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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mariposa County
Mariposa County is part of the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains land resource region (MLRA 22A). The county's mean elevation is about 3,046 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Mariposa County sees 31.4 in of rain, a 55.7°F mean annual temperature.
Mariposa County carries 595 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 204,073 acres. 388 farms operate in the county, averaging 620 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sierra Nevada Foothills |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Goats, Vegetables, Poultry |
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 Mariposa County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
5009 Fairgrounds Rd, Mariposa, CA 95338
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
2926 G Street, Suite 102, Merced, CA 95340
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 Mariposa County Operations
Based on Mariposa County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Fire prevention and recovery programs help ranchers manage wildfire risks and restore damaged rangeland. Oak woodland conservation and stream restoration support wildlife habitat and water quality protection.
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 Mariposa County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Madera County, California, Merced County, California, Stanislaus County, California, and Tuolumne County, California. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Mariposa 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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