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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Wicomico County
Elevation across Wicomico County averages about 36 feet. The county falls within the Northern Tidewater Area (MLRA 153D) land resource region.
The growing season in Wicomico County spans roughly 334 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.8 inches per year. January lows average around 27°F while July highs reach about 88°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 384 farms in Wicomico County, operating across 69,906 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 182 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Quick Facts
| Region | Eastern Shore |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans, Wheat, Grain sorghum |
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 Wicomico County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2322b Goddard Pkwy, Salisbury, MD 21801
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 Wicomico County Operations
Based on Wicomico County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Poultry waste management receives priority support to prevent nutrient runoff to Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Vegetable producers utilize cost-share programs for irrigation efficiency and integrated pest 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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Wicomico County: Sussex County, Delaware, Dorchester County, Maryland, Somerset County, Maryland, and Worcester County, Maryland. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Wicomico 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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