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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bristol County
Bristol County sits within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) region. Elevation averages about 147 feet.
Temperatures in Bristol County range from a January mean low of 21°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 49.6 inches. Expect about 275 frost-free days.
Bristol County ran 507 farms, 27,956 acres of farmland, and 1,060 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, cattle, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeastern Massachusetts |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Berries, Dairy, Cattle & calves |
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 Bristol County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
8 Thatcher Lane, Wareham, MA 02571
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
104 Dean St, Taunton, MA 02780
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 Bristol County Operations
Based on Bristol County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation efforts focus on water quality protection in cranberry bog operations and wetland preservation around agricultural areas. Programs support integrated pest management in vegetable production and sustainable water use practices.
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 Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Dukes County, Massachusetts, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, Bristol County, Rhode Island, and Newport County, Rhode Island. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Bristol 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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