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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Strafford County
Strafford County lies in the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) region. Elevation averages about 320 feet.
Strafford County averages 47.9 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 46.7°F.
Strafford County's agricultural base centers on milk, tomatoes, and cattle. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 332 farms working 28,143 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,297 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Seacoast/Lakes |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Berries, Cattle & calves |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 30+ 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 Strafford County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
629 Calef Highway, Knightly Plaza, Suite 203, Epping, NH 03042
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 Strafford County Operations
Based on Strafford County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs benefit from University of New Hampshire research and extension support for innovative farming practices and technology adoption. Conservation efforts emphasize water quality protection around numerous lakes and sustainable agriculture research implementation.
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 Strafford County
Strafford County shares borders with York County, Maine, Belknap County, New Hampshire, Carroll County, New Hampshire, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, and Rockingham County, New Hampshire. 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 Strafford 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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