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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Monroe County
Elevation across Monroe County averages about 315 feet. The county falls within the Ontario-Erie Plain and Finger Lakes Region (MLRA 101) land resource region.
The growing season in Monroe County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 34.6 inches per year. January lows average around 18°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 511 farms in Monroe County, operating across 93,901 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 184 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | Finger Lakes |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Dairy |
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 Monroe County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
1200a Scottsville Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
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 Monroe County
The forage year in Monroe County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 3,493 acres of pastureland and 2,470 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Monroe County
About 23% of Monroe County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 42% of farms are small and 6% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 184 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Monroe County
Monroe County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were grain, corn, and soybeans. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for dairies, waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage, and for row-crop ground, cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Monroe County Operations
Based on Monroe County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Urban agriculture initiatives and farmland protection programs help preserve remaining agricultural areas. High tunnel and season extension practices are promoted to maximize production on limited acreage.
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 Monroe County: Genesee County, New York, Livingston County, New York, Ontario County, New York, Orleans County, New York, and Wayne County, New York. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Monroe 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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