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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Talbot County
Elevation across Talbot County averages about 8 feet. The county falls within the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (MLRA 153C) land resource region.
The growing season in Talbot County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.3 inches per year. January lows average around 28°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 357 farms in Talbot County, operating across 96,228 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 270 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Shore |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Talbot County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
28577 Marys Ct, Easton, MD 21601
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 Talbot County Operations
Based on Talbot County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize protecting Chesapeake Bay water quality through comprehensive nutrient management and cover crop adoption. Farmland preservation maintains agricultural landscapes near developed areas.
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 Talbot County: Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Calvert County, Maryland, Caroline County, Maryland, Dorchester County, Maryland, and Queen Anne's County, Maryland. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Talbot 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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