Baker County, Florida: USDA programs and conservation funding

330
Farms & Ranches
19K
Acres in Agriculture
58
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$934K
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Sod, Cattle, Honey, Hogs, Field Crops, Other
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Baker County, Florida has 330 farms working 19,005 agricultural acres (average 58 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $0.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Sod, Cattle, Honey. Vegetation typically peaks in Sep, defining the primary growing season.

← Florida Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Baker County

Baker County sits within the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 138 feet.

Temperatures in Baker County range from a January mean low of 41°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 51.3 inches.

Baker County ran 330 farms, 19,005 acres of farmland, and 2,070 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: sod, cattle, and honey.


Quick Facts

RegionNortheast Florida
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Honey, Poultry, Hogs, Vegetables, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). LFP-eligible for 16+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.

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 Baker County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

260 Us Highway 301 N, Baldwin, FL 32234

(904) 266-0088

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 Baker County Operations

Based on Baker County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Forest management practices and wildlife habitat enhancement are priorities given the county's extensive timberland. Livestock producers utilize programs for pasture renovation and water system improvements.

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

Bordering Counties

If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Bradford County, Florida, Clay County, Florida, Columbia County, Florida, Duval County, Florida, Nassau County, Florida, and Union County, Florida. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Baker County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.70
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.81
Peak season (Sep)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Baker County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.