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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Belknap County
Elevation across Belknap County averages about 969 feet. The county falls within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part (MLRA 144B) land resource region.
The growing season in Belknap County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.4 inches per year. January lows average around 12°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 272 farms in Belknap County, operating across 28,483 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 105 acres. Top commodities include milk, flowering plants, potted, and maple syrup.
Quick Facts
| Region | Lakes Region |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Vegetables, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Maple syrup |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 32+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
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 Belknap County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
10 Ferry St, Concord, NH 03301
This county also has 2 additional NRCS offices. View all offices
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 Belknap County Operations
Based on Belknap County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize water quality protection around Lake Winnipesaukee and seasonal agricultural tourism development. Conservation practices focus on nutrient management and soil erosion control near sensitive lake watersheds.
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 Belknap County: Carroll County, New Hampshire, Grafton County, New Hampshire, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, and Strafford County, New Hampshire. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Belknap County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New Hampshire guide: New Hampshire Farm Programs Guide
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