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Tompkins County, New York

Farm Programs & Local Resources

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

Cayuga Lake forms the county's eastern boundary while rolling hills and deep valleys create diverse topography throughout the area. The terrain includes fertile valley bottoms, steep hillsides, and upland plateaus, with elevations ranging from 380 feet at lake level to over 2,000 feet on the ridges.

Dairy operations dominate agriculture along with significant grain and forage production, while the county also supports diverse specialty crops including vegetables and small-scale organic operations. Many farms near Ithaca engage in direct marketing and community-supported agriculture programs.

Quick Facts
RegionFinger Lakes
Top CommoditiesDairy, Corn, Cattle & calves, Vegetables, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts
Farms & Ranches~420 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~93,000 acres
Average Farm Size~191 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Tompkins County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

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 — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Tompkins County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Tompkins County?"

Your Next Steps in Tompkins 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

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