← Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Somerset County
Somerset County lies in the Northern Tidewater Area (MLRA 153D) region. Elevation averages about 1 feet.
Somerset County averages 45.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 57.9°F.
Somerset County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and wheat. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 244 farms working 63,019 acres.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Shore |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Somerset County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
30730 Park Dr, Princess Anne, MD 21853
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 Somerset County Operations
Based on Somerset County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Wetland conservation programs balance agricultural drainage needs with critical habitat protection for migratory waterfowl. Coastal farming receives support for saltwater intrusion management.
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 Somerset County
Somerset County shares borders with Dorchester County, Maryland, Wicomico County, Maryland, Worcester County, Maryland, Accomack County, Virginia, and Northumberland 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 Somerset 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.