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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Nassau County
Elevation across Nassau County averages about 86 feet. The county falls within the Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland (MLRA 149B) land resource region.
The growing season in Nassau County spans roughly 306 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 45.6 inches per year. January lows average around 26°F while July highs reach about 85°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 29 farms in Nassau County, operating across 665 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 23 acres. Top commodities include equine, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Long Island |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Horses, Poultry |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Nassau County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
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 Nassau County
The forage year in Nassau County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 256 acres of pastureland. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Nassau County
About 13% of Nassau County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 81% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 23 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Nassau County
Given the operation mix in Nassau County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations, and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. 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 Nassau County Operations
Based on Nassau County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs work to protect remaining agricultural parcels from development. Urban agriculture and community supported agriculture operations connect residents with local food production.
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 Nassau County: Fairfield County, Connecticut, Bronx County, New York, Queens County, New York, Suffolk County, New York, and Westchester County, New York. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Nassau 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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