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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Herkimer County
Herkimer County lies in the Northeastern Mountains (MLRA 143) region. Elevation averages about 2,368 feet.
Herkimer County averages 49.1 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 214 days. Annual mean temperature is 43.2°F.
Herkimer County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 514 farms working 106,572 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 11,203 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Mohawk Valley |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Poultry, Honey |
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 Herkimer County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
5653 State Route 5, Herkimer, NY 13350
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 Herkimer County Operations
Based on Herkimer County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Mohawk River watershed protection and dairy farm sustainability are conservation priorities. Support for transitioning dairy operations and pasture management systems.
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 Herkimer County
Herkimer County shares borders with Fulton County, New York, Hamilton County, New York, Lewis County, New York, Montgomery County, New York, Oneida County, New York, and Otsego 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 Herkimer 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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