← Delaware Farm Programs Guide
Kent County, Delaware
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Kent County sits in central Delaware's coastal plain, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with well-drained soils. The county surrounds Dover, the state capital, and features a mix of agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands near the Delaware Bay. Elevations are generally low, rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level.
Agriculture in Kent County is dominated by grain production, particularly corn and soybeans, along with significant poultry operations. The county's fertile soils and moderate climate support intensive row crop farming, with many operations integrating crop and livestock production. Vegetable production, especially sweet corn and lima beans, is also important.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Delaware |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat, Dairy |
| Farms & Ranches | ~770 (2022 USDA Census) |
| Agricultural Land | ~190,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~243 acres |
Find 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) under one roof.
Find your Service Center:
Search for "Kent County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices, including address, phone number, and hours.
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
Every county has specific conservation priorities set by the Local Working Group (LWG). EQIP applications that address local priorities score higher in the ranking process.
We don't have Kent County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Kent County?" This directly affects how your EQIP application is scored.
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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