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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Mercer County
Mercer County sits within the Northern Coastal Plain (MLRA 149A) region. Elevation averages about 61 feet.
Temperatures in Mercer County range from a January mean low of 24°F to a July mean high near 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 47.4 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Mercer County ran 298 farms, 19,030 acres of farmland, and 325 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: soybeans, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central New Jersey |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans, Corn, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Mercer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
4000 Kozloski Rd Ste D, Freehold, NJ 07728
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 Mercer County Operations
Based on Mercer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support sustainable row crop production and soil conservation practices on the county's productive agricultural lands. Farmland preservation initiatives are essential given the intense development pressure in this suburban county.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Burlington County, New Jersey, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Somerset County, New Jersey, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Mercer County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New Jersey guide: New Jersey Farm Programs Guide
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