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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: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 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.
Forage and Grazing in Belknap County
The forage year in Belknap County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 1,321 acres of pastureland and 436 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Belknap County
About 35% of Belknap County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 36% of farms are small and 2% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 105 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Belknap County
Given the operation mix in Belknap County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. 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 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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