Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Martin County
Martin County lies in the Southern Florida Flatwoods (MLRA 155) region. Elevation averages about 26 feet.
Martin County averages 55.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 74.5°F.
Martin County's agricultural base centers on foliage plants, cattle, and flowering plants, potted. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 588 farms working 179,342 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 795 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Florida |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Honey, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 33+ 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 Martin County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
8400 Picos Rd, Ft Pierce, FL 34945
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 Martin County
Martin County reported 795 head of cattle across roughly 74,216 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows June green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Martin County.
Farm Structure in Martin County
Irrigation covers about 10% of farmland in Martin County, roughly 18,684 acres. Farms average 305 acres, with about 68% classed as small operations. Around 17% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Martin County
Given the operation mix in Martin 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 high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Martin County Operations
Based on Martin County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program targets nutrient reduction to protect the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Water management and irrigation efficiency receive priority funding due to environmental sensitivity and water restrictions.
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
Counties Bordering Martin County
Martin County shares borders with Glades County, Florida, Hendry County, Florida, Okeechobee County, Florida, Palm Beach County, Florida, and St. Lucie County, Florida. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Martin 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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