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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Tehama County
Tehama County sits within the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys (MLRA 17) region. Elevation averages about 318 feet.
Temperatures in Tehama County range from a January mean low of 36°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 37.2 inches.
Tehama County ran 1,154 farms, 627,913 acres of farmland, and 38,510 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Central Valley |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Corn, Horses, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Tehama County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
500 Riverside Way, Ste C, Red Bluff, CA 96080
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 Tehama County Operations
Based on Tehama County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Rangeland management programs focus on oak woodland conservation and prescribed grazing practices. Orchard operations utilize micro-irrigation systems and integrated pest management to optimize water use efficiency.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Butte County, California, Glenn County, California, Mendocino County, California, Plumas County, California, Shasta County, California, and Trinity County, California. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Tehama 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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