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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Erie County
Erie County lies in the Ontario-Erie Plain and Finger Lakes Region (MLRA 101) region. Elevation averages about 801 feet.
Erie County averages 41.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.7°F.
Erie County's agricultural base centers on milk, corn, and soybeans. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 918 farms working 141,829 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 12,116 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Western New York |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Floriculture, Vegetables, Corn, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Erie County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
50 Commerce Way, East Aurora, NY 14052
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 Erie County Operations
Based on Erie County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake Erie watershed protection and urban agriculture development are emphasized. Support for specialty crop production and farmers serving Buffalo metropolitan area markets.
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
Counties Bordering Erie County
Erie County shares borders with Cattaraugus County, New York, Chautauqua County, New York, Genesee County, New York, Niagara County, New York, and Wyoming County, New York. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Erie 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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