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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County sits within the St. Lawrence-Champlain Plain (MLRA 142) region. Elevation averages about 290 feet.
Temperatures in Jefferson County range from a January mean low of 10°F to a July mean high near 79°F. Annual precipitation averages 42.4 inches. Expect about 244 frost-free days.
Jefferson County ran 749 farms, 249,497 acres of farmland, and 26,992 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | North Country |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn, Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Wheat |
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 Jefferson County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
21168 State Route 232, Watertown, NY 13601
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 Jefferson County Operations
Based on Jefferson County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Great Lakes watershed protection emphasizes nutrient management and erosion control. Support for large dairy operations and precision agriculture technologies in high snowfall areas.
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
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Cayuga County, New York, Lewis County, New York, Oswego County, New York, and St. Lawrence County, New York. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Jefferson 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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