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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Chemung County
Elevation across Chemung County averages about 1,453 feet. The county falls within the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains (MLRA 140) land resource region.
The growing season in Chemung County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 37.5 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 352 farms in Chemung County, operating across 60,337 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 171 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Tier |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Chemung County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
109a Chemung St, Waverly, NY 14892
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 Chemung County
The forage year in Chemung County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,666 acres of pastureland and 6,013 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Chemung County
About 22% of Chemung County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 19% of farms are small and 4% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 171 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Chemung County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Chemung 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 Chemung County Operations
Based on Chemung County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Streambank stabilization and riparian buffers protect Chemung River water quality. Support for diversification of small to medium-sized dairy operations.
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 Chemung County: Schuyler County, New York, Steuben County, New York, Tioga County, New York, Tompkins County, New York, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Chemung County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide
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