← New York Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Clinton County
Elevation across Clinton County averages about 1,810 feet. The county falls within the St. Lawrence-Champlain Plain (MLRA 142) land resource region.
The growing season in Clinton County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 38.8 inches per year. January lows average around 7°F while July highs reach about 78°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 536 farms in Clinton County, operating across 150,155 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 280 acres. Top commodities include milk, maple syrup, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Country |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Maple syrup, Vegetables, Horses, Honey |
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 Clinton County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
6064 State Route 22, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
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 Clinton County
The forage year in Clinton County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in July (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 9,372 acres of pastureland and 25,051 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Clinton County
About 22% of Clinton County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 21% of farms are small and 8% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 280 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Clinton County
Given the operation mix in Clinton County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Clinton County Operations
Based on Clinton County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake Champlain watershed protection through nutrient management and erosion control is critical. Support for large-scale dairy operations and sustainable intensification practices.
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 Clinton County: Essex County, New York, Franklin County, New York, Chittenden County, Vermont, and Grand Isle County, Vermont. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Clinton 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
Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.