← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Merced County
Merced County is part of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys land resource region (MLRA 17). The county's mean elevation is about 89 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Merced County sees 11.5 in of rain, a 62.7°F mean annual temperature.
Merced County carries 570,720 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 254,138 acres. 2,047 farms operate in the county, averaging 426 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | San Joaquin Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Cotton |
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 Merced County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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 Merced County Operations
Based on Merced County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water management and efficiency programs address groundwater sustainability and irrigation optimization. Air quality improvement initiatives focus on reducing dust and emissions from intensive agricultural operations.
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 Merced County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Fresno County, California, Madera County, California, Mariposa County, California, San Benito County, California, Santa Clara County, California, and Stanislaus County, California. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Merced 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.