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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Shasta County
Elevation across Shasta County averages about 1,754 feet. The county falls within the Southern Cascade Mountains (MLRA 22B) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 43.2 inches per year. January lows average around 32°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,120 farms in Shasta County, operating across 286,114 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 255 acres. Top commodities include cattle and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Sacramento Valley |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Berries, Vegetables, Horses |
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 Shasta County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
44327 Highway 299e, Mcarthur, CA 96056
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3644 Avtech Pkwy, Redding, CA 96002
This county also has 2 additional NRCS offices. 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.
Forage and Grazing in Shasta County
The forage year in Shasta County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 160,458 acres of pastureland and 17,910 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Shasta County
About 26% of Shasta County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 53% 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 255 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Shasta County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Shasta County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Shasta County Operations
Based on Shasta County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports rangeland improvements and irrigation efficiency in diverse farming systems. CSP promotes wildlife habitat enhancement in rice fields and riparian areas along the Sacramento River corridor.
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 Shasta County: Lassen County, California, Modoc County, California, Plumas County, California, Siskiyou County, California, Tehama County, California, and Trinity County, California. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Shasta 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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