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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Placer County
Placer County is part of the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains land resource region (MLRA 22A). The county's mean elevation is about 3,277 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Placer County sees 46.7 in of rain, a 54.0°F mean annual temperature.
Placer County carries 12,806 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 44,864 acres. 1,093 farms operate in the county, averaging 78 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sierra Nevada Foothills |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Horses, Sheep, Berries |
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 Placer County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
11661 Blocker Drive, Suite 115, Auburn, CA 95603
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
9701 Dino Dr Ste 190, Elk Grove, CA 95624
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 Placer County Operations
Based on Placer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports rice field management and irrigation efficiency in valley areas. CSP promotes wildlife habitat enhancement in foothill grazing lands and riparian buffer strips along waterways.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Placer County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include El Dorado County, California, Nevada County, California, Sacramento County, California, Sutter County, California, Yuba County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Placer 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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