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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Dukes County
Dukes County lies in the Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland (MLRA 149B) region. Elevation averages about 222 feet.
Dukes County averages 47.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 306 days. Annual mean temperature is 51.4°F.
Dukes County's agricultural base centers on alpacas, sheep, and hogs. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 66 farms working 6,404 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 122 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Martha's Vineyard |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Poultry, Sheep, Hogs, Goats |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 13+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Dukes 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.
Farm Structure in Dukes County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Dukes County, roughly 67 acres. Farms average 97 acres, with about 76% classed as small operations. Around 14% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Dukes County
Given the operation mix in Dukes County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations; and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Dukes County Operations
Based on Dukes County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on protecting groundwater quality and managing soil erosion in the island's sandy soils. Special attention to supporting small-scale, high-value agricultural enterprises that serve the local tourism economy.
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 Dukes County
Dukes County shares borders with Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Bristol County, Massachusetts, and Nantucket County, Massachusetts. 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 Dukes 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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