Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Highlands County
Highlands County is part of the Southern Florida Flatwoods land resource region (MLRA 155). The county's mean elevation is about 84 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Highlands County sees 51.7 in of rain, a 73.4°F mean annual temperature.
Highlands County carries 4,659 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 212,146 acres. 836 farms operate in the county, averaging 466 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Central Florida |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Honey, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). 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 Highlands County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
4505/4507 George Blvd, Sebring, FL 33872
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
450 Us Highway 98 N, Okeechobee, FL 34972
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 Highlands County Operations
Based on Highlands County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Disaster assistance programs provide critical support for citrus groves recovering from hurricanes and disease impacts. EQIP funding targets water management systems and soil conservation on ridge cropland.
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 Highlands County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Charlotte County, Florida, DeSoto County, Florida, Glades County, Florida, Hardee County, Florida, Okeechobee County, Florida, and Osceola County, Florida. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Highlands 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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