Dixie County, Florida: USDA programs and conservation funding

154
Farms & Ranches
52K
Acres in Agriculture
336
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.0M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain, Sheep, Hogs
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Dixie County, Florida has 154 farms working 51,720 agricultural acres (average 336 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.0 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Grain. Vegetation typically peaks in Aug, defining the primary growing season.

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Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

About Dixie County

Dixie County sits within the Eastern Gulf Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 152A) region. Elevation averages about 21 feet.

Temperatures in Dixie County range from a January mean low of 42°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 56.2 inches.

Dixie County ran 154 farms, 51,720 acres of farmland, and 1,722 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, sheep, and hogs.


Quick Facts

RegionBig Bend Florida
Top CommoditiesCattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Sheep, Hogs, Horses

Current Conditions

Drought status: Exceptional Drought (D4). 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 Dixie County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

1727 East Wade Street, Trenton, FL 32693

(352) 463-2358

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 Dixie County Operations

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

Coastal habitat conservation and flood management are priorities given the extensive salt marsh and tidal environments. Forest management practices focus on sustainable timber harvesting in wetland-adjacent areas.

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 Gilchrist County, Florida, Lafayette County, Florida, Levy County, Florida, and Taylor County, Florida. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.

Your Next Steps in Dixie 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

CRP

Vegetation Baseline

0.74
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.80
Peak season (Aug)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Dixie 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.