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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nantucket County
Elevation across Nantucket County averages about 3 feet. The county falls within the Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland (MLRA 149B) land resource region.
The growing season in Nantucket County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 43.7 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 76°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 17 farms in Nantucket County, operating across 911 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 54 acres. Top commodities include hogs.
Quick Facts
| Region | Nantucket Island |
| Top Commodities | Berries, Fruit & tree nuts, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 12+ 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket County
About 14% of Nantucket County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 62% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 54 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Nantucket County
With hogs in the mix in Nantucket County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are waste management and nutrient planning (confined livestock operations). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Nantucket County Operations
Based on Nantucket County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on protecting groundwater resources and managing erosion in sandy soils. Support provided for aquaculture operations and small-scale farming that serves local food system needs.
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 Nantucket County: Dukes County, Massachusetts. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Nantucket 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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