← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mendocino County
Elevation across Mendocino County averages about 1,058 feet. The county falls within the Siskiyou-Trinity Area (MLRA 5) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 51.9 inches per year. January lows average around 38°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 975 farms in Mendocino County, operating across 677,787 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 695 acres. Top commodities include cattle, sheep, and flowering plants, potted.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Coast |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Berries, Vegetables, Sheep |
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 Mendocino County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1252 Airport Park Blvd Ste B1, Ukiah, CA 95482
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 Mendocino County Operations
Based on Mendocino County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Sustainable vineyard management and organic transition programs support the county's commitment to environmental stewardship. Fire recovery assistance helps producers rebuild damaged vineyards and implement fire-resistant farming practices.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Mendocino County: Glenn County, California, Humboldt County, California, Lake County, California, Sonoma County, California, Tehama County, California, and Trinity County, California. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Mendocino County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.