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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Peninsula between the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay with gently rolling terrain and extensive waterfront. Historic tobacco lands transition to mixed development and remaining farms.
Former tobacco operations have diversified into corn, soybeans, and specialty crops serving regional markets. Remaining farms focus on direct marketing and value-added production.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Maryland |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Soybeans, Vegetables, Cattle & calves |
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 Saint Mary's County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
26737 Radio Station Way, Leonardtown, MD 20650
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 Saint Mary's County Operations
Based on Saint Mary's County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Tobacco transition programs help producers develop alternative enterprises including specialty crops and agritourism. Water quality protection targets both Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay 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
Your Next Steps in Saint Mary's 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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