Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Penobscot County
Penobscot County is part of the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part land resource region (MLRA 144B). The county's mean elevation is about 359 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Penobscot County sees 44.1 in of rain, a 214-day growing season, a 42.8°F mean annual temperature.
Penobscot County carries 8,596 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 3,945 acres. 536 farms operate in the county, averaging 187 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Maine |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 33+ 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 Penobscot County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1423 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
This county also has 1 additional NRCS office. 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 Penobscot County Operations
Based on Penobscot County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Research-based conservation practices are promoted through University of Maine extension partnerships with local farmers. Water quality improvement programs focus on nutrient management in the Penobscot River watershed.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Penobscot County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Aroostook County, Maine, Hancock County, Maine, Piscataquis County, Maine, Somerset County, Maine, Waldo County, Maine, and Washington County, Maine. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Penobscot County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Maine guide: Maine Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.