← Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Baltimore County
Elevation across Baltimore County averages about 361 feet. The county falls within the Northern Piedmont (MLRA 148) land resource region.
The growing season in Baltimore County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.5 inches per year. January lows average around 24°F while July highs reach about 87°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 783 farms in Baltimore County, operating across 70,217 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 90 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Maryland |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Horses, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Baltimore County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
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 Baltimore County Operations
Based on Baltimore County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining agricultural land from development and maintaining water quality buffers. Programs support high-value specialty crop production near urban markets.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Baltimore County: Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Carroll County, Maryland, Harford County, Maryland, Howard County, Maryland, Kent County, Maryland, and York County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Baltimore County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Maryland guide: Maryland Farm Programs Guide
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