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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ventura County
Ventura County is part of the Southern California Coastal Plains and Mountains land resource region (MLRA 19). The county's mean elevation is about 854 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ventura County sees 20.3 in of rain, a 58.4°F mean annual temperature.
Ventura County carries 3,453 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 126,749 acres. 1,812 farms operate in the county, averaging 166 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Coast |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Floriculture, Honey, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Ventura County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
3550 S Harbor Blvd Suite 2-202, Oxnard, CA 93035
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
920 E Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
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 Ventura County Operations
Based on Ventura County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Water conservation programs emphasize drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring in high-value specialty crops. Integrated pest management and pollinator habitat projects address intensive production challenges in coastal agricultural areas.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Ventura County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Kern County, California, Los Angeles County, California, and Santa Barbara County, California. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ventura 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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