Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Washington County sits within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part (MLRA 144B) region. Elevation averages about 83 feet.
Temperatures in Washington County range from a January mean low of 10°F to a July mean high near 78°F. Annual precipitation averages 48.9 inches. Expect about 244 frost-free days.
Washington County ran 341 farms, 121,714 acres of farmland, and 101 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: cattle, cut flowers & cut cultivated greens, and sheep.
Quick Facts
| Region | Downeast Maine |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Poultry, Cattle & calves, Sheep, Maple syrup |
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 Washington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
8 M & M Place, Suite 5, Machias, ME 04654
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 Washington County
Pasture and rangeland make up roughly 2% of farmland in Washington County, about 1,960 acres. On a 2021–2025 satellite average, green-up typically begins around April and forage peaks in July. FSA sets the county’s normal grazing period separately; ask your office to confirm it, because LFP counts only the drought weeks that fall inside it.
Farm Structure in Washington County
Farms in Washington County average 357 acres, and about 26% are small operations. About 12,958 acres are irrigated.
What Tends to Fit in Washington County
With cattle and sheep in the mix in Washington County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage (specialty-crop acres); and brush management (rangeland). 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 Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Blueberry barrens management programs focus on sustainable production and pollinator habitat conservation. Remote area assistance helps farmers overcome transportation and market access challenges.
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, Hancock County, Maine, and Penobscot County, Maine. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Washington 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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