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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Grafton County
Elevation across Grafton County averages about 1,641 feet. The county falls within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Northern Part (MLRA 144B) land resource region.
The growing season in Grafton County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 47.7 inches per year. January lows average around 7°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 496 farms in Grafton County, operating across 86,325 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 174 acres. Top commodities include milk, cattle, and cut christmas trees.
Quick Facts
| Region | Upper Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Maple syrup, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Grafton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
19 Archertown Rd, Orford, NH 03777
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 Grafton County
The forage year in Grafton County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,834 acres of pastureland and 4,472 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Grafton County
About 35% of Grafton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 25% of farms are small and 5% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 174 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Grafton County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Grafton County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). 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 Grafton County Operations
Based on Grafton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support precision agriculture and research-based farming practices influenced by nearby Dartmouth College agricultural programs. Conservation efforts emphasize nutrient management in dairy operations and habitat preservation in agricultural landscapes.
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 Grafton County: Belknap County, New Hampshire, Carroll County, New Hampshire, Coos County, New Hampshire, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, and Caledonia County, Vermont. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Grafton 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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