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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 2026-04-14
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 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.
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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