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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Tompkins County
Tompkins County is part of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Catskill Mountains land resource region (MLRA 140). The county's mean elevation is about 851 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Tompkins County sees 39.9 in of rain, a 244-day growing season, a 46.7°F mean annual temperature.
Tompkins County carries 5,984 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 4,302 acres. 487 farms operate in the county, averaging 191 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Finger Lakes |
| Top Commodities | Dairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, 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 Tompkins County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
225 S. Fulton St, Ithaca, NY 14850
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
1 North Main St, Cortland, NY 13045
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 Tompkins County Operations
Based on Tompkins County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Lake water quality protection drives many conservation efforts, with emphasis on reducing nutrient runoff from agricultural areas. Organic farming transition support and sustainable agriculture practices receive strong program focus given the county's progressive farming community.
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 Tompkins County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cayuga County, New York, Chemung County, New York, Cortland County, New York, Schuyler County, New York, Seneca County, New York, and Tioga County, New York. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Tompkins 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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