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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Carteret County
Carteret County lies in the Tidewater Area (MLRA 153B) region. Elevation averages about 7 feet.
Carteret County averages 58.3 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). Annual mean temperature is 63.5°F.
Carteret County's agricultural base centers on cattle and honey. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 94 farms working 60,950 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 215 head.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Poultry, Fruit & tree nuts, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
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 Carteret County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
4026 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
304 Industrial Dr, New Bern, NC 28562
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 Carteret County Operations
Based on Carteret County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Salt-tolerant crop varieties and windbreak installations protect agricultural areas from coastal storms. Aquaculture facility improvements enhance shellfish and finfish production efficiency.
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 Carteret County
Carteret County shares borders with Craven County, North Carolina, Hyde County, North Carolina, Jones County, North Carolina, Onslow County, North Carolina, and Pamlico County, North Carolina. 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 Carteret County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the North Carolina guide: North Carolina Farm Programs Guide
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