Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County sits within the Southern Florida Lowlands (MLRA 156B) region. Elevation averages about 18 feet.
Temperatures in St. Lucie County range from a January mean low of 53°F to a July mean high near 91°F. Annual precipitation averages 54.5 inches.
St. Lucie County ran 404 farms, 165,667 acres of farmland, and 4,668 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, honey, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Florida |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Honey, Floriculture, Berries, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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. Lucie 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.
Programs for St. Lucie County Operations
Based on St. Lucie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP provides essential support for citrus grove water management and disease prevention systems. Disaster Assistance programs help operations recover from hurricane damage and citrus greening impacts.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Indian River County, Florida, Martin County, Florida, and Okeechobee County, Florida. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in St. Lucie County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Florida guide: Florida Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.