Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Cumberland County
Cumberland County lies in the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part (MLRA 144B) region. Elevation averages about 297 feet.
Cumberland County averages 48.7 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 45.6°F.
Cumberland County's agricultural base centers on milk, equine, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 657 farms working 56,704 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 3,025 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Maine Coast |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Horses, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 4+ 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 Cumberland County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
306 Us Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
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 Cumberland County
Cumberland County reported 3,025 head of cattle across roughly 5,225 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows May green-up and a June growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Cumberland County.
Farm Structure in Cumberland County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Cumberland County, roughly 757 acres. Farms average 86 acres, with about 47% classed as small operations.
What Tends to Fit in Cumberland County
With cattle and equine in the mix in Cumberland County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Cumberland County Operations
Based on Cumberland County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Beginning farmer programs support new agricultural entrepreneurs drawn to the strong local food market in Portland. CREP initiatives protect water quality in Casco Bay watershed through riparian buffers and wetland restoration.
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
Counties Bordering Cumberland County
Cumberland County shares borders with Androscoggin County, Maine, Oxford County, Maine, Sagadahoc County, Maine, and York County, Maine. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Cumberland 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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