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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Plumas County
Elevation across Plumas County averages about 6,407 feet. The county falls within the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains (MLRA 22A) land resource region.
The growing season in Plumas County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 41.3 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 83°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 161 farms in Plumas County, operating across 101,008 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 627 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sierra Nevada Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Poultry, Horses, 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 Plumas County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
159 Lawrence St, Quincy, CA 95971
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
170 Russell Ave Ste C, Susanville, CA 96130
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 Plumas County
The forage year in Plumas County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,739 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Plumas County
About 22% of Plumas County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 42% of farms are small and 12% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 627 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Plumas County
Given the operation mix in Plumas 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 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 Plumas County Operations
Based on Plumas County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports forest management and fire prevention practices on working landscapes. CRP helps restore degraded meadows and provides wildlife habitat in this mountainous forest 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Plumas County: Butte County, California, Lassen County, California, Shasta County, California, Sierra County, California, Tehama County, California, and Yuba County, California. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Plumas 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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