Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clay County
Clay County is part of the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods land resource region (MLRA 153A). The county's mean elevation is about 90 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Clay County sees 52.1 in of rain, a 69.7°F mean annual temperature.
Clay County carries 5,106 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 14,700 acres. 326 farms operate in the county, averaging 115 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Florida |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Horses, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 35+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Clay County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
111 Yelvington Rd Ste 3, East Palatka, FL 32131
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 Clay County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Clay County greening up around June and peaking in July. The county carries about 14,700 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clay County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Clay County at an average farm size of 115 acres, 68% small operations, 20% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 52 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Clay County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Clay County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations), and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Clay County Operations
Based on Clay County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection and forest management practices receive emphasis given the county's numerous freshwater bodies. Pasture renovation and rotational grazing systems help optimize the rolling topography for livestock production.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Clay County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Baker County, Florida, Bradford County, Florida, Duval County, Florida, Putnam County, Florida, and St. Johns County, Florida. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Clay County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.