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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monterey County
Monterey County lies in the Central California Coast Range (MLRA 15) region. Elevation averages about 1,231 feet.
Monterey County averages 21.0 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 59.0°F.
Monterey County's agricultural base centers on flowering plants, potted, transplants, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 1,057 farms working 1,338,477 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 50,188 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Coast |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Monterey County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
744 La Guardia St Bldg A, Salinas, CA 93905
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.
Forage and Grazing in Monterey County
Monterey County reported 50,188 head of cattle across roughly 861,980 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows January green-up and a March growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Monterey County.
Farm Structure in Monterey County
Irrigation covers about 23% of farmland in Monterey County, roughly 314,410 acres. Farms average 1,266 acres, with about 27% classed as small operations. Around 24% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Monterey County
Given the operation mix in Monterey County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Monterey County Operations
Based on Monterey County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on drip irrigation efficiency and soil health in intensive vegetable systems. CSP supports integrated pest management and cover cropping between specialty crop rotations.
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
Counties Bordering Monterey County
Monterey County shares borders with Fresno County, California, Kings County, California, San Benito County, California, San Luis Obispo County, California, and Santa Cruz County, California. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Monterey County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
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