Pasco County, Florida: USDA programs and conservation funding

1,190
Farms & Ranches
132K
Acres in Agriculture
111
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$9.9M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine, Equine, Flowering Plants, Potted
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Pasco County, Florida has 1,190 farms working 132,011 agricultural acres (average 111 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $9.9 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Cattle, Field Crops, Other, Equine. Vegetation typically peaks in Sep, 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 Pasco County

Elevation across Pasco County averages about 71 feet. The county falls within the Southern Florida Flatwoods (MLRA 155) land resource region.

Rainfall averages 52.8 inches per year. January lows average around 48°F while July highs reach about 91°F.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 1,190 farms in Pasco County, operating across 132,011 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 111 acres. Top commodities include cattle, equine, and equine.


Quick Facts

RegionCentral West Florida
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Horses, Floriculture

Current Conditions

Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 19+ 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 Pasco County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

17030 Ayers Rd, Brooksville, FL 34604

(352) 277-3761

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 Pasco County Operations

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

EQIP supports pasture improvement and water management systems for livestock operations. CSP promotes sustainable grazing practices and wildlife habitat enhancement on working lands.

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 Pasco County: Hernando County, Florida, Hillsborough County, Florida, Pinellas County, Florida, Polk County, Florida, and Sumter County, Florida. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.

Your Next Steps in Pasco 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

EQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.59
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.63
Peak season (Sep)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Pasco 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.