← Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Montgomery County
Montgomery County lies in the Northern Piedmont (MLRA 148) region. Elevation averages about 477 feet.
Montgomery County averages 44.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 306 days. Annual mean temperature is 55.1°F.
Montgomery County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and sod. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 583 farms working 69,759 acres.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Maryland |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Floriculture, Vegetables, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Montgomery County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
18410 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
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 Montgomery County Operations
Based on Montgomery County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Agricultural reserve programs maintain farming in designated areas while supporting high-value specialty crop production. Water quality protection focuses on Potomac River tributary watersheds.
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
Counties Bordering Montgomery County
Montgomery County shares borders with Frederick County, Maryland, Howard County, Maryland, Prince George's County, Maryland, Arlington County, Virginia, Fairfax County, Virginia, and Loudoun County, Virginia. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Montgomery 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.