Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Aroostook County
Aroostook County sits within the Northeastern Mountains (MLRA 143) region. Elevation averages about 892 feet.
Temperatures in Aroostook County range from a January mean low of 1°F to a July mean high near 77°F. Annual precipitation averages 41.9 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.
Aroostook County ran 720 farms, 305,052 acres of farmland, and 2,531 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Maine |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Barley, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 29+ 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 Aroostook County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
139 Market St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
This county also has 2 additional NRCS and 2 additional FSA offices. View all offices
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 Aroostook County Operations
Based on Aroostook County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Disaster assistance programs are crucial for potato growers facing weather-related challenges and market volatility. EQIP supports soil conservation and irrigation efficiency improvements on large commodity farms.
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 Penobscot County, Maine, Piscataquis County, Maine, Somerset County, Maine, and Washington County, Maine. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Aroostook County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Maine guide: Maine Farm Programs Guide
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