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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ontario County
Ontario County lies in the Ontario-Erie Plain and Finger Lakes Region (MLRA 101) region. Elevation averages about 1,051 feet.
Ontario County averages 35.8 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 244 days. Annual mean temperature is 47.7°F.
Ontario County's agricultural base centers on milk, cattle, and corn. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 815 farms working 174,577 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 41,015 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Finger Lakes |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Vegetables, Cattle & calves, Corn, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts |
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 Ontario County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
3037 County Road 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424
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 Ontario County
Ontario County reported 41,015 head of cattle across roughly 5,343 acres of pasture and rangeland. Satellite data for 2021–2025 shows April green-up and a August growth peak. Because LFP counts drought weeks only within the county’s normal grazing period, it is worth asking FSA what dates they use for Ontario County.
Farm Structure in Ontario County
Irrigation covers about 1% of farmland in Ontario County, roughly 1,180 acres. Farms average 214 acres, with about 26% classed as small operations. Around 19% of operators are 65 or older.
What Tends to Fit in Ontario County
With cattle and milk in the mix in Ontario County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage (dairies); and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Ontario County Operations
Based on Ontario County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Vineyard management practices focus on soil conservation on sloped sites and integrated pest management. Lake watershed protection programs maintain water quality in the pristine Finger Lakes.
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 Ontario County
Ontario County shares borders with Livingston County, New York, Monroe County, New York, Seneca County, New York, Steuben County, New York, Wayne County, New York, and Yates 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 Ontario 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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