Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About St. Johns County
Elevation across St. Johns County averages about 42 feet. The county falls within the Southern Florida Flatwoods (MLRA 155) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 52.5 inches per year. January lows average around 46°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 223 farms in St. Johns County, operating across 23,749 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 106 acres. Top commodities include sod, honey, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast Florida |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Honey, Horses, Cattle & calves, Poultry, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 11+ 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 St. Johns County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
111 Yelvington Rd Ste 3, East Palatka, FL 32131
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 St. Johns County Operations
Based on St. Johns County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports coastal zone management practices and water quality protection measures. CSP promotes habitat conservation for migratory birds and marine species in agricultural areas.
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 St. Johns County: Clay County, Florida, Duval County, Florida, Flagler County, Florida, and Putnam County, Florida. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in St. Johns 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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