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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Putnam County
Putnam 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 912 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Putnam County sees 48.3 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 50.2°F mean annual temperature.
Putnam County carries 104 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 701 acres. 68 farms operate in the county, averaging 59 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Hudson Valley |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Cattle & calves, Hogs, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
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 Putnam County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545
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 Putnam County Operations
Based on Putnam County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation programs work to protect remaining agricultural parcels from development. Small farm and beginning farmer programs support local food production and direct marketing operations.
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 Putnam County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dutchess County, New York, Orange County, New York, Rockland County, New York, and Westchester County, New York. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Putnam 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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