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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Salem County
Salem County is part of the Northern Coastal Plain land resource region (MLRA 149A). The county's mean elevation is about 41 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Salem County sees 45.7 in of rain, a 306-day growing season, a 55.5°F mean annual temperature.
Salem County carries 2,533 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,988 acres. 779 farms operate in the county, averaging 125 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | South Jersey Delaware Valley |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Poultry, Wheat |
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 Salem County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
51 Cheney Rd Ste 2, Woodstown, NJ 08098
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 Salem County Operations
Based on Salem County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs focus on protecting soil and water resources while maintaining high productivity on the county's prime agricultural lands. Support for processing crop production helps farmers serve regional food processing facilities.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Salem County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Kent County, Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware, Cumberland County, New Jersey, and Gloucester County, New Jersey. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Salem 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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