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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Trinity County
Trinity County lies in the Siskiyou-Trinity Area (MLRA 5) region. Elevation averages about 5,070 feet.
Trinity County averages 57.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 52.9°F.
Trinity County's agricultural base centers on cattle, cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 139 farms working 57,124 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,705 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Coast Mountains |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Hogs, Berries |
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 Trinity County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1313 South Main Street, Space H, Weaverville, CA 96093
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
3644 Avtech Pkwy, Redding, CA 96002
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 Trinity County
Trinity County reported 3,705 head of cattle across roughly 35,292 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Trinity County.
Farm Structure in Trinity County
Irrigation covers about 2% of farmland in Trinity County, roughly 1,027 acres. Farms average 411 acres, with about 38% classed as small operations. Around 29% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Trinity County
Given the operation mix in Trinity County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Trinity County Operations
Based on Trinity County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Forest management and riparian restoration programs protect water quality in salmon-bearing streams. Limited agricultural conservation focuses on erosion control and wildlife habitat enhancement on small mountain meadows.
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
Counties Bordering Trinity County
Trinity County shares borders with Humboldt County, California, Mendocino County, California, Shasta County, California, Siskiyou County, California, and Tehama County, California. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Trinity 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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