Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Hillsborough County
Elevation across Hillsborough County averages about 9 feet. The county falls within the Southern Florida Flatwoods (MLRA 155) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 53.6 inches per year. January lows average around 50°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,992 farms in Hillsborough County, operating across 201,712 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 101 acres. Top commodities include sod, aquatic plants, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | West Central Florida |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Floriculture, Cattle & calves, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 40+ 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 Hillsborough County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
201 S Collins St Ste 201, Plant City, FL 33563
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 Hillsborough County
The forage year in Hillsborough County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 74,675 acres of pastureland and 32,743 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Hillsborough County
About 24% of Hillsborough County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 73% 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 101 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were sod, aquatic plants, and cattle. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for specialty-crop acres, high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage; and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Hillsborough County Operations
Based on Hillsborough County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize nutrient management and water quality protection for intensive strawberry and vegetable production. Beginning farmer initiatives help new operators access expensive land near urban markets.
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 Hillsborough County: Hardee County, Florida, Manatee County, Florida, Pasco County, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida, and Polk County, Florida. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Hillsborough 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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