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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
| Region | Catskills |
| Top Commodities | Poultry, Dairy, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses |
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 Sullivan County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
44 West St, Walton, NY 13856
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 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
- 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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