← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Modoc County
Elevation across Modoc County averages about 5,063 feet. The county falls within the Klamath and Shasta Valleys and Basins (MLRA 21) land resource region.
The growing season in Modoc County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 17.9 inches per year. January lows average around 23°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 426 farms in Modoc County, operating across 533,782 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 1,253 acres. Top commodities include cattle, wheat, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Wheat, Floriculture, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Modoc County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
221 W 8th Street, Alturas, CA 96101
This county also has 3 additional NRCS offices. View all offices
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 Modoc County Operations
Based on Modoc County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland improvement programs enhance forage quality and wildlife habitat on extensive grazing lands. Weather-related assistance programs address challenges of extreme seasonal variations and drought conditions in high desert environments.
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 Modoc County: Lassen County, California, Shasta County, California, Siskiyou County, California, Washoe County, Nevada, Klamath County, Oregon, and Lake County, Oregon. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Modoc 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.