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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Westchester County
Westchester County lies in the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) region. Elevation averages about 578 feet.
Westchester County averages 48.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 52.1°F.
Westchester County's agricultural base centers on equine, equine, and flowering plants, potted. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 108 farms working 6,311 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 159 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Hudson Valley |
| Top Commodities | Horses, Floriculture, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Poultry, Honey |
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 Westchester County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545
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 Westchester County Operations
Based on Westchester County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Farmland preservation and urban agriculture programs receive priority given intense development pressure throughout the county. Water quality protection and sustainable practices on small farms near urban areas are emphasized in conservation programming.
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
Counties Bordering Westchester County
Westchester County shares borders with Fairfield County, Connecticut, Bergen County, New Jersey, Bronx County, New York, Nassau County, New York, Putnam County, New York, and Rockland County, New York. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.
Your Next Steps in Westchester 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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