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
| Region | Central West Florida |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Horses, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). 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 Pasco County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
17030 Ayers Rd, Brooksville, FL 34604
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 Pasco County
The forage year in Pasco County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in September (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 71,564 acres of pastureland and 1,549 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Pasco County
About 23% of Pasco County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 63% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 111 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Pasco County
Given the operation mix in Pasco 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 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
- 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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