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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nevada County
Nevada County lies in the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains (MLRA 22A) region. Elevation averages about 4,501 feet.
Nevada County averages 51.2 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 52.6°F.
Nevada County's agricultural base centers on cattle, sheep, and goats. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 620 farms working 64,185 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 161 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sierra Nevada Foothills |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Berries, Sheep, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Nevada County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
113 Presley Way Ste 1, Grass Valley, CA 95945
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1521 Butte House Rd Ste A, Yuba City, CA 95993
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 Nevada County
Nevada County reported 161 head of cattle across roughly 34,500 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows July green-up and a January 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 Nevada County.
Farm Structure in Nevada County
Irrigation covers about 8% of farmland in Nevada County, roughly 5,260 acres. Farms average 104 acres, with about 63% classed as small operations. Around 25% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Nevada County
Given the operation mix in Nevada County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; pollinator habitat plantings for apiaries; and brush management for rangeland. 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 Nevada County Operations
Based on Nevada County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports fuel reduction and fire prevention practices on rangeland and forested agricultural areas. Beginning Farmer programs help new producers establish small-scale diversified operations in this rural foothill region.
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 Nevada County
Nevada County shares borders with Placer County, California, Sierra County, California, Yuba County, California, and Washoe County, Nevada. 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 Nevada 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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