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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sussex County
Sussex County sits within the Northern Tidewater Area (MLRA 153D) region. Elevation averages about 42 feet.
Temperatures in Sussex County range from a January mean low of 27°F to a July mean high near 88°F. Annual precipitation averages 46.2 inches. Expect about 334 frost-free days.
Sussex County ran 1,053 farms, 262,079 acres of farmland, and 1,038 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Delaware |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans, Wheat, Dairy |
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 Sussex County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
21315 Berlin Rd, Georgetown, DE 19947
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 Sussex County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Sussex County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Sussex County EQIP priorities center on poultry waste management systems and water quality protection for coastal watersheds. Programs support cover crop adoption, precision nutrient application, and alternative uses for poultry litter to reduce environmental impacts of intensive chicken production operations.
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 Kent County, Delaware, Caroline County, Maryland, Dorchester County, Maryland, Wicomico County, Maryland, Worcester 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 Sussex 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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