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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Craven County
Elevation across Craven County averages about 23 feet. The county falls within the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods (MLRA 153A) land resource region.
Rainfall averages 55.1 inches per year. January lows average around 34°F while July highs reach about 89°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 292 farms in Craven County, operating across 100,825 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 345 acres. Top commodities include hogs, soybeans, and corn.
Quick Facts
| Region | Coastal Plain |
| Top Commodities | Hogs, Soybeans, Corn, Cotton, Tobacco, Vegetables |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Craven County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
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.
Forage and Grazing in Craven County
The forage year in Craven County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 19,252 acres of pastureland and 1,169 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Craven County
About 22% of Craven County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 28% of farms are small and 11% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 345 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Craven County
Given the operation mix in Craven County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and waste management and nutrient planning for confined livestock operations. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Craven County Operations
Based on Craven County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Controlled drainage systems manage water levels in poorly drained fields while reducing nutrient runoff. Cover crop adoption improves soil health and reduces erosion on row crop operations.
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 Craven County: Beaufort County, North Carolina, Carteret County, North Carolina, Jones County, North Carolina, Lenoir County, North Carolina, Pamlico County, North Carolina, and Pitt County, North Carolina. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Craven 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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