Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bradford County
Bradford County sits within the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) region. Elevation averages about 139 feet.
Temperatures in Bradford County range from a January mean low of 43°F to a July mean high near 92°F. Annual precipitation averages 52.0 inches.
Bradford County ran 418 farms, 61,282 acres of farmland, and 4,552 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, honey, and goats.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Central Florida |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Honey, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 15+ 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 Bradford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5709 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32653
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 Bradford County Operations
Based on Bradford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Irrigation efficiency and plastic mulch management are key technical assistance areas for strawberry growers. Conservation practices focus on nutrient management and water quality protection in agricultural watersheds.
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 Alachua County, Florida, Baker County, Florida, Clay County, Florida, Putnam 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 Bradford County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide
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