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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Santa Clara County
Elevation across Santa Clara County averages about 1,017 feet. The county falls within the Central California Coast Range (MLRA 15) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 23.9 inches per year. January lows average around 39°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 825 farms in Santa Clara County, operating across 245,191 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 297 acres. Top commodities include mushrooms, flowering plants, potted, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Bay Area |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Berries, Horses |
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 Santa Clara County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2337 Technology Pkwy Ste C, Hollister, CA 95023
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 Santa Clara County
The forage year in Santa Clara County runs from green-up in February to peak growth in April (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 144,470 acres of pastureland and 10,893 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Santa Clara County
About 25% of Santa Clara County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 68% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 297 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Santa Clara County
Given the operation mix in Santa Clara County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres; 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 Santa Clara County Operations
Based on Santa Clara County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports water conservation and sustainable practices in remaining agricultural operations. Beginning Farmer programs help new producers establish urban-adjacent farming operations serving Silicon Valley markets.
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 Santa Clara County: Alameda County, California, Merced County, California, San Benito County, California, San Mateo County, California, Santa Cruz County, California, and Stanislaus County, California. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Santa Clara 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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