← California Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mono County
Mono County sits within the Carson Basin and Mountains (MLRA 26) region. Elevation averages about 8,067 feet.
Temperatures in Mono County range from a January mean low of 18°F to a July mean high near 80°F. Annual precipitation averages 15.2 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.
Mono County ran 61 farms, 61,063 acres of farmland, and 5,931 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Sierra |
| Top Commodities | 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 Mono County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
270 N See Vee Ln Ste 6, Bishop, CA 93514
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
513 West Bridge Street, Yerington, NV 89447
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 Mono County Operations
Based on Mono County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports rangeland improvements and water system upgrades for high-altitude operations. Disaster assistance is critical for harsh winter weather and drought protection in this challenging mountain environment.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Alpine County, California, Fresno County, California, Inyo County, California, Madera County, California, Tuolumne County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Mono 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.