Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Citrus County
Elevation across Citrus County averages about 3 feet. The county falls within the South-Central Florida Ridge (MLRA 154) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.0 inches per year. January lows average around 46°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 602 farms in Citrus County, operating across 51,098 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 85 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Florida |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Horses, Goats, Sheep |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Citrus County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2441 NE 3rd St Ste 204, Ocala, FL 34470
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
7620 Sr 471, Suite 3, Bushnell, FL 33513
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.
Forage and Grazing in Citrus County
The forage year in Citrus County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 27,493 acres of pastureland and 772 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Citrus County
About 25% of Citrus County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 58% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 85 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Citrus County
Given the operation mix in Citrus County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground; and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Citrus County Operations
Based on Citrus County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Spring and groundwater protection practices are priorities given the county's sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Pasture management techniques focus on preventing nutrient runoff into the spring-fed river systems.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Citrus County: Hernando County, Florida, Levy County, Florida, Marion County, Florida, and Sumter County, Florida. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Citrus 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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