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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kent County
Kent County sits within the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (MLRA 153C) region. Elevation averages about 24 feet.
Temperatures in Kent County range from a January mean low of 26°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 45.2 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Kent County ran 770 farms, 187,248 acres of farmland, and 1,651 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Delaware |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat, Dairy |
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 Kent County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
519 S Red Haven Lane, Suite 200, Dover, DE 19901
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 Kent County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Kent County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Kent County EQIP priorities focus on nutrient management for poultry operations and cover crops for corn-soybean rotations to protect the Delaware Bay watershed. Conservation practices emphasize reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff through precision agriculture and improved manure management systems.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. It takes 2 minutes and generates a personalized action packet you can print and bring to your USDA office.
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 New Castle County, Delaware, Sussex County, Delaware, Caroline County, Maryland, Kent County, Maryland, Queen Anne's County, Maryland, and Cape May County, New Jersey. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Kent County
- Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
- Read the full Delaware guide for statewide program details and deadlines: Delaware Farm Programs Guide
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