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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Tioga County
Elevation across Tioga County averages about 1,284 feet. The county falls within the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains (MLRA 140) land resource region.
The growing season in Tioga County spans roughly 244 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 40.7 inches per year. January lows average around 15°F while July highs reach about 81°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 502 farms in Tioga County, operating across 118,841 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 237 acres. Top commodities include milk, corn, and cattle.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern Tier |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Floriculture, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
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 Tioga County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
109a Chemung St, Waverly, NY 14892
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 Tioga County Operations
Based on Tioga County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Nutrient management planning for dairy operations and riparian buffer establishment along the Susquehanna River watershed are key conservation priorities. Soil health improvement through cover cropping and no-till practices receives significant program support.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Tioga County: Broome County, New York, Chemung County, New York, Cortland County, New York, Tompkins County, New York, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Tioga 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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