Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Somerset County
Somerset County sits within the Northeastern Mountains (MLRA 143) region. Elevation averages about 1,322 feet.
Temperatures in Somerset County range from a January mean low of 4°F to a July mean high near 76°F. Annual precipitation averages 44.9 inches. Expect about 184 frost-free days.
Somerset County ran 528 farms, 119,646 acres of farmland, and 4,514 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, maple syrup, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Maine |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Maple syrup, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 32+ 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 Somerset County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
70 East Madison Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976
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 Somerset County Operations
Based on Somerset County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Dairy modernization programs support farm efficiency improvements and environmental compliance measures. Wetland conservation practices protect sensitive areas while maintaining agricultural productivity.
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 Aroostook County, Maine, Franklin County, Maine, Kennebec County, Maine, Penobscot County, Maine, Piscataquis County, Maine, and Waldo County, Maine. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Somerset 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.