← Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Kent County
Kent County is part of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 153C). The county's mean elevation is about 72 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Kent County sees 44.4 in of rain, a 306-day growing season, a 56.2°F mean annual temperature.
Kent County carries 8,017 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 1,882 acres. 396 farms operate in the county, averaging 358 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Shore |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Dairy, Wheat, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-10-06
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 Kent County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
122 Speer Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620
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 Kent County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Kent County greening up around March and peaking in August. The county carries about 1,882 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Kent County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Kent County at an average farm size of 358 acres, 34% small operations, 48% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 10,912 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Kent County
Kent County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Kent County Operations
Based on Kent County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize protecting Chesapeake Bay water quality through cover crops and precision agriculture techniques. Wetland restoration projects provide wildlife habitat while managing drainage.
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 Kent County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Kent County, Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Baltimore County, Maryland, Cecil County, Maryland, and Harford County, Maryland. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Kent County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Maryland guide: Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.