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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Barnstable County
Barnstable County sits within the Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland (MLRA 149B) region. Elevation averages about 51 feet.
Temperatures in Barnstable County range from a January mean low of 24°F to a July mean high near 79°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.3 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Barnstable County ran 349 farms, 3,956 acres of farmland, and 12 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: foliage plants, tomatoes, and hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Cape Cod |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Vegetables, Poultry, Hogs, Honey, Goats |
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 Barnstable County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
303 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
8 Thatcher Lane, Wareham, MA 02571
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 Barnstable County Operations
Based on Barnstable County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on protecting water quality in cranberry bog operations and managing coastal erosion on farmland. Special emphasis on supporting beginning farmers entering the high-value cranberry industry and aquaculture sectors.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Bristol County, Massachusetts, Dukes County, Massachusetts, and Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Barnstable County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Massachusetts guide: Massachusetts Farm Programs Guide
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