Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Taylor County
Elevation across Taylor County averages about 30 feet. The county falls within the Eastern Gulf Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 152A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 55.8 inches per year. January lows average around 41°F while July highs reach about 91°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 212 farms in Taylor County, operating across 43,289 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 204 acres. Top commodities include cattle, hogs, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Florida |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Taylor County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1416 East Us 90, Unit 1, Madison, FL 32340
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 Taylor County
The forage year in Taylor County runs from green-up in March to peak growth in May (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 9,857 acres of pastureland and 984 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Taylor County
About 26% of Taylor County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 204 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Taylor County
Taylor County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, hogs, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing; for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election; and for confined livestock operations, waste management and nutrient planning. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Taylor County Operations
Based on Taylor County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP promotes sustainable forestry practices and wildlife habitat management in timber operations. CREP focuses on protecting water quality in coastal watersheds through forest conservation buffers.
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 Taylor County: Dixie County, Florida, Jefferson County, Florida, Lafayette County, Florida, and Madison County, Florida. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Taylor 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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