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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Sussex County
Sussex County is part of the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part land resource region (MLRA 144A). The county's mean elevation is about 614 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sussex County sees 47.5 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 49.5°F mean annual temperature.
Sussex County carries 17 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 8,551 acres. 1,052 farms operate in the county, averaging 68 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern New Jersey Highlands |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Vegetables, Corn, Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans |
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 Sussex County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 Bilby Rd Ste 1h, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
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 Sussex County Operations
Based on Sussex County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize rotational grazing systems, forest stewardship, and steep slope management on the county's mountainous livestock operations. Support for sustainable agriculture practices helps maintain farming in this scenic but challenging terrain.
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 Sussex County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Morris County, New Jersey, Passaic County, New Jersey, Warren County, New Jersey, Orange County, New York, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, and Pike County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Sussex 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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