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Merced County, California

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

San Joaquin Valley floor extends eastward to Sierra Nevada foothills with elevations from 100 to 1,000 feet. Rich alluvial soils and established irrigation infrastructure support intensive agricultural production.

Diverse crop production includes almonds, dairy operations, and row crops utilizing advanced irrigation systems. The county maintains significant livestock operations alongside intensive cultivation of permanent and annual crops.

Quick Facts
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
Top CommoditiesDairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Cotton
Farms & Ranches~2,850 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~870,000 acres
Average Farm Size~426 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Merced County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Merced County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Merced County?"

Your Next Steps in Merced County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide

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