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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orange County
Orange County is part of the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part land resource region (MLRA 144A). The county's mean elevation is about 424 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Orange County sees 46.6 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 49.8°F mean annual temperature.
Orange County carries 2,064 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 8,630 acres. 613 farms operate in the county, averaging 107 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Hudson Valley |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Dairy, Fruit & tree nuts, Floriculture, Horses, Corn |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
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 Orange County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
225 Dolson Ave, Middletown, NY 10940
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 Orange County Operations
Based on Orange County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Black dirt soil management and water management systems are critical for vegetable production. Farmland preservation programs protect agricultural areas from development pressure in this rapidly growing region.
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
Nearby Counties
Operators in Orange County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Passaic County, New Jersey, Sussex County, New Jersey, Dutchess County, New York, Putnam County, New York, Rockland County, New York, and Sullivan County, New York. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Orange 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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