Sullivan County, New York: USDA programs and conservation funding

367
Farms & Ranches
59K
Acres in Agriculture
160
Avg Farm Size (acres)
$1.4M
Cattle Sales
Top commodities: Milk, Field Crops, Other, Cattle, Equine, Maple Syrup
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Sullivan County, New York has 367 farms working 58,719 agricultural acres (average 160 acres per farm). Cattle sales total $1.4 million annually. Leading commodities by sales: Milk, Field Crops, Other, Cattle. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

Programs likely to fit Sullivan County operations

With 367 farms averaging 160 acres, a milk and cattle commodity base, vegetation peaking near Jul at 0.87 NDVI, these are the federal programs most worth a closer look. Every program is competitive — confirm fit with your local USDA office.

← New York Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Sullivan County

Sullivan County is part of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains land resource region (MLRA 140). The county's mean elevation is about 1,345 feet.

Based on 1991–2020 normals, Sullivan County sees 49.6 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 46.8°F mean annual temperature.

Sullivan County carries 1,371 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 5,428 acres. 367 farms operate in the county, averaging 160 acres each.

Quick Facts
RegionCatskills
Top CommoditiesPoultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses

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 Sullivan County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

44 West St, Walton, NY 13856

(607) 865-4005

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 Sullivan County

Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Sullivan County greening up around April and peaking in July. The county carries about 5,428 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.

Farm Structure in Sullivan County

The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Sullivan County at an average farm size of 160 acres, 33% small operations, 16% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 132 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.

What Tends to Fit in Sullivan County

With cattle and equine in the mix in Sullivan 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 Sullivan County Operations

Based on Sullivan County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Forest management and wildlife habitat improvement are major program focuses given the county's extensive woodland areas. Grazing management on steep slopes and stream protection practices are emphasized to maintain water quality for the New York City watershed.

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 Sullivan County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Delaware County, New York, Orange County, New York, Ulster County, New York, Pike County, Pennsylvania, and Wayne County, Pennsylvania. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

Your Next Steps in Sullivan County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide

Part of Farmer's Navigator. Built by ranchers. Every guide on this site is free.

Related program guides

EQIP FencingCRPEQIP Prescribed GrazingCSPEQIP Water Development

Vegetation Baseline

0.62
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.87
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Sullivan County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.